– Authorities ID female in unsolved 47-year-old cold case
– Authorities identify woman in historic 47-year-old cold case.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a breakthrough discovery, the remains of a young Black woman found near Seneca, Illinois over four decades ago have finally been identified as JoAnn “Vickie” Smith, an adopted woman from Ohio. The case, which had gone cold for years, was reopened in late 2017 by officials in the Grundy County Coroner’s Office, leading to the positive identification through DNA and forensics.
The Long Search for Answers
Smith’s brother, Ronnie Smith, expressed relief that after more than 47 years, the family finally has closure regarding the fate of the 20-year-old who mysteriously disappeared from her Cincinnati home. He recalled how it was unusual for anyone in their household to stay out at night, making Vickie’s disappearance all the more perplexing.
Initially perplexed by the unidentified remains found near a cornfield alongside US Highway 6 with a gunshot wound to the head, investigators faced a daunting challenge in solving the case. Despite the initial difficulties, a dedicated team of genetic genealogists from the DNA Doe Project were able to construct a detailed family tree, eventually leading to the breakthrough identification of JoAnn “Vickie” Smith.
The Challenges of Identifying African-American Jane and John Does
The DNA Doe Project highlighted the challenges of identifying African-American individuals, citing their underrepresentation in public databases compared to people of Northern European descent. Vickie’s status as an adopted woman further complicated the identification process, as most of her birth family were unaware of her existence.
Through painstaking research, the DNA Doe Project team traced a branch of Vickie’s family tree, eventually locating her birth mother and uncovering crucial documents such as her original birth certificate and adoption records. This meticulous investigation ultimately led to the long-awaited revelation of Vickie Smith’s true identity.
Bringing Vickie Smith Home
After years of uncertainty, the Smith family is now focused on honouring Vickie’s memory and seeking justice for her untimely death. A celebration of life service is planned in Cincinnati, with a GoFundMe account set up to assist with the transport and burial of Vickie’s remains.
As the investigation into Vickie Smith’s death continues, her family expresses gratitude towards Deputy Chief Coroner Brandon Johnson and Coroner John Callahan for their unwavering dedication in bringing closure to this long-standing mystery. The journey to uncover the truth behind Vickie’s tragic fate is far from over, but with her true identity finally revealed, her loved ones can begin the process of healing and remembrance.
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Authorities ID woman cold case 47-year-old female victim.
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