– Woman’s remains found in ditch near Illinois highway
– Woman’s remains identified after 47 years.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
After more than 47 years, the remains of a young Black woman found near Seneca, Illinois have been positively identified through the use of DNA and forensics. Authorities have confirmed that the remains belong to JoAnn “Vickie” Smith, an adopted woman from Ohio.
The breakthrough in identifying Smith, previously known as Jane Seneca Doe, came after her body was exhumed from an unmarked grave in December 2018. This discovery was made more than 42 years after her body was found in a ditch alongside US Highway 6 with a gunshot wound to the head.
Smith’s brother, Ronnie Smith, expressed his gratitude to Deputy Chief Coroner Brandon Johnson and Coroner John Callahan for their unwavering dedication to bringing closure to the family. The identification process was a lengthy one, taking more than four years to complete.
DNA Doe Project’s Role in Identification
The renewed effort to confirm Smith’s identity was initiated by officials in the Grundy County Coroner’s Office in late 2017. Despite initial challenges with DNA testing, a team of expert genetic genealogists from the DNA Doe Project was able to construct a family tree to narrow down the search.
Margaret Press, founder of the DNA Doe Project, highlighted the complexities of identifying African-American Jane and John Does, citing the underrepresentation of African-Americans in public databases. Additionally, as an adopted woman, Smith’s existence was unknown to most of her birth family.
Through meticulous research, the DNA Doe Project team located a branch of Smith’s family tree with three sisters, one of whom was her birth mother. This breakthrough eventually led to the discovery of Smith’s original birth certificate and adoption records.
Bringing Vickie Smith Home
With the confirmation of her identity as JoAnn “Vickie” Smith, the DNA Doe Project expressed their honour in being able to say her name and facilitate her journey back to her family. Pam Lauritzen, spokesperson for the organisation, conveyed the sentiment of closure and respect in knowing that Smith’s remains will soon be returned to her loved ones.
The identification of JoAnn “Vickie” Smith serves as a reminder of the importance of relentless pursuit of justice and closure in cold case investigations. The collaborative efforts of forensic experts, genealogists, and law enforcement have brought answers to a decades-old mystery, shedding light on the life and identity of a young woman who will finally be laid to rest with dignity and respect.
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1. Woman’s remains found in ditch near Illinois highway
2. Woman’s identity discovered after 47 years.
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