Maritza Glean Grimmett : Lake Forest Jane Doe Identified as Missing Mom; Death Investigation Begins

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Lake Forest Jane Doe missing mom
2. Lake Forest Jane Doe death investigation

The remains of Maritza Glean Grimmett, a woman from Panama who moved to the U.S. in 1978, have been identified after 41 years in Southern California. Children playing in a culvert found her remains in 1983, leading to a long investigation. With the help of DNA testing and genetic genealogy, authorities were able to identify Grimmett, who disappeared in 1979 after telling her family she was getting a divorce and moving to California. The case is still under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities. This breakthrough highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to solve cold cases and bring closure to families.

**Identification of Maritza Glean Grimmett, a Woman from Panama**

In a breakthrough discovery, authorities have finally identified the remains of a woman found 41 years ago in Southern California. The woman has been identified as Maritza Glean Grimmett, a native of Panama who moved to the U.S. in late 1978. Grimmett had married a U.S. Marine during the summer of 1978 and relocated to the U.S. She was last heard from in July 1979 after informing her sister about her plans to divorce and move to California.

**Discovery of the Remains**

The discovery of Grimmett’s remains came to light when children in Orange County were playing in a culvert in April of 1983 and stumbled upon the remains. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department confirmed this information in a recent news release. Subsequent investigations led to the excavation of 70% of the woman’s remains.

**Characteristics of the Victim**

Following an anthropology examination, investigators determined that the woman was Black or biracial, aged between 18 and 24 years old, with a slight build, and stood between 5-foot-3 and 5-foot-6. Additionally, she had a distinguishing gold tooth. The remains were discovered in what is now known as the city of Lake Forest, leading investigators to refer to her as Lake Forest Jane Doe.

**The Quest to Identify Lake Forest Jane Doe**

Over the years, authorities made numerous attempts to identify the woman without success. In 2011, a DNA sample was sent to Othram Laboratories, resulting in the development of a genetic profile. Cold case investigators collaborated with the FBI’s Regional Genealogy Team to conduct investigative genetic genealogy, eventually tracing a direct family line for the woman.

**Breakthrough in Identification**

Multiple forensic renderings of the woman were released to the public, and in late 2023, investigators received a significant lead. A distant genetic relative of the victim suggested posting the renderings to a Facebook group dedicated to Jane Does and missing women from the 1970s and 1980s. This initiative led to a woman coming forward and expressing that she could be the missing mother, Grimmett.

**Positive Identification and Continuing Investigations**

Relatives of Grimmett provided DNA samples, ultimately confirming her identity as Maritza Glean Grimmett. The National Missing and Unidentified Person System supported the DNA extraction and testing that facilitated this identification. Investigations into Grimmett’s killing are ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact Investigator Bob Taft at (714) 647-7045 or coldcase@ocsheriff.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to OC Crime Stoppers at (855) 847-6227 or www.occrimestoppers.org.

**Conclusion**

The positive identification of Maritza Glean Grimmett after four decades brings closure to her family and sheds light on a long-standing mystery. As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to seeking justice for Grimmett and bringing closure to her tragic story.