– Woman’s remains found in ditch near Illinois highway
– Illinois highway woman’s remains discovered after 47 years.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
After nearly five decades of mystery, the remains of a young Black woman found in a ditch near Seneca, Illinois have finally been identified as JoAnn “Vickie” Smith, an adopted woman from Ohio. The breakthrough came through advanced DNA and forensic techniques.
The Long-Awaited Identification
JoAnn “Vickie” Smith, who disappeared at the age of 20, left her Cincinnati home and never returned, leaving her family with unanswered questions for years. The discovery of her remains with a gunshot wound to the head near a cornfield alongside US Highway 6 in 1976 led to an unsolved case that remained cold for decades.
Thanks to the dedication of officials at the Grundy County Coroner’s Office, the case was reopened in late 2017, leading to the exhumation of Smith’s body from an unmarked grave a year later.
Breakthrough in DNA Testing
Although initial DNA testing failed to provide a name, a team of expert genetic genealogists from the DNA Doe Project worked tirelessly to construct a family tree and narrow down the search. The identification process spanned over four years before finally revealing JoAnn “Vickie” Smith’s identity.
The challenges in identifying African-American Jane and John Does are highlighted by the DNA Doe Project, as African-Americans are underrepresented in public databases. Additionally, being an adopted woman meant that most of her birth family were unaware of her existence, making the identification process even more complex.
A Bittersweet Homecoming
Now that JoAnn “Vickie” Smith’s identity has been confirmed, efforts are underway to bring her home and lay her to rest. The DNA Doe Project expressed their honour in being able to finally say her name and facilitate her journey back to her family.
As the focus shifts towards finding the perpetrator responsible for her death, the family is grateful for the unwavering dedication of Deputy Chief Coroner Brandon Johnson and Coroner John Callahan in pursuing justice for Vickie.
Celebrating Vickie’s Life
The family has organised a celebration of life service in Cincinnati to honour JoAnn “Vickie” Smith. A GoFundMe account has also been set up to support the family in transporting and burying her remains, as they prepare to bid farewell to their long-lost loved one.
JoAnn “Vickie” Smith’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring quest for justice and closure in unsolved cases, shedding light on the importance of ongoing efforts to bring closure to families affected by such tragedies.
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– Illinois highway woman remains found
– Woman’s remains identified after 47 years.
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