Fond du Lac County Jane Doe

Fond du Lac County Jane Doe is an unidentified female discovered on November 23, 2008, near Campbellsport, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. She has yet to be identified, although many efforts have been made to discover who she was. Investigators believe that it is possible that she may not have been from the area.[2][3] The victim was between fifteen and twenty-one years old when she died, placing her year of birth between 1987 and 1994.[1] Her face was reconstructed digitally by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2009 and again in 2018 to approximate her appearance, as decomposition hindered the possibility of visual identification. After the revised rendering was released, her remains were exhumed for additional forensic information. Isotope testing indicated she originated from New Mexico or Arizona and had lived in the Midwest for about a year or less before her death. Genetic genealogy research was also utilized as a way to locate potential relatives.[4][5]

Fond du Lac Jane Doe
Two reconstructions of the victim created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Born	Approx. 1987–1994
Status	Unidentified for 11 years, 8 months and 23 days
Died	Summer of 2008 (aged 15–21)[1]
Cause of death	Undetermined, manner of death presumed to be homicide.
Body discovered	November 23, 2008 Cambellsport, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, United States
Resting place	Cattaraugus Cemetery, Waupun, Wisconsin, United States
Known for	Unidentified victim of homicide
Height	Between 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) and 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)
Website	Facebook

Discovery

The remains of a young woman were found frozen in a creek by hunters on November 23, 2008, in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, near an abandoned farm.[6] To extract the body, investigators were forced to chisel away the ice and scuba divers searched the bottom for evidence.[3] Some articles of clothing were found, including a strapless Zoey Beth black and pink top with a pink bow, originating from Family Dollar, distributed in the spring of 2008.[2][7][4] The underclothing that she wore, also from Family Dollar, was shipped only between July 1 and July 15, 2008.[6][8] Her jeans were that of the Angels brand and the bottom of the legs had been rolled up, somewhat, and an elastic ponytail holder was found on her wrist.[6][9]

No socks or shoes were found at the scene. Initially, no jewelry was found, until a penny-sized St. Benedict medal was found by divers, but it may not have belonged to her, as examiners could not be certain how long it had been in the water. However, some reports claim that a bracelet containing several pendants was also found on the girl's remains.[10] Her hair was a shoulder-length light brown, possibly having hair highlights due to having some different shades.[6][7] The clothing had caused some issues with investigators, as many of the different articles were in various sizes.[8] It has been determined, however, that she was most likely around 120 pounds.[4]

Examination

Another artist's rendering of the Jane Doe, incorporating the clothing she was found wearing.

Her cause of death was inconclusive, as the severe decomposition on the body had removed all signs of possible violence from the remains. However, the case is believed to have been a murder, as suicide was eliminated as a possibility of the girl's death. The circumstances of the location of the remains had also sparked suspicion among authorities.[11] Toxicology tests were conducted to see if any drugs or alcohol had been in her system, yet the results were never released.[2][8][12][13]

Although the body was found in autumn, she had died in the summer, two to four months previously. This was established by examining traces from insects that were found on the remains.[6] She had an overbite, and some fillings and dental sealants were found on the upper molars with no current cavities. The overbite was not described as extreme, but may have been noticeable, which could be a reliable feature depicted in her facial reconstruction. The estimated height was between 4'10" and 5'4", the victim being between fifteen and twenty-one years old and weighing between 110 to 135 pounds, at an "average frame".[6] Examiners believe she was either white or Hispanic, although Native American and Asian races cannot be ruled out.[8][14] She also may have been biracial. Other physical characteristics included a healed rib fracture and being pigeon toed or knock-kneed, which may have been noticeable when she walked, as her feet were slanted inward.[6][13] She also suffered from spina bifida occulta, but may have been unaware of the condition.[1]

To obtain DNA information, her femur was transported to the University of Texas.[3] The victim's dental records were also recorded to compare to missing persons.[4]

Investigation

At least 200 leads have been explored into discovering the identity of the victim.[11] A computer-generated reconstruction was created from the skull by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children from mortuary photographs and a CT scan of the skull that were submitted to the center.[2][6][8] The reconstruction of the victim generated over two hundred tips that did not produce solid leads, as the composite apparently resembled a large number of missing people.[3][15] Former missing person Amanda Berry, one of several possible identities of the Jane Doe, was ruled out by DNA analysis. She was recovered alive in 2013.[16]

Besides Amanda Berry, two other individuals that were eventually located were also ruled out of the case: Connie McCallister and Brittany Peart.[14] McCallister, native to Wisconsin, was abducted at age 16 and taken to Mexico. She was eventually recovered alive after meeting a "church missionary" that reported the find to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.[17] Brittany Peart disappeared in July 2008 from Elkton, Maryland. Peart's remains were located and identified in December 2011. Her cause of death remains unreleased.[18]

The Jane Doe's body was buried in 2011 after the investigation turned cold.[2][9] Television shows such as America's Most Wanted were contacted to broadcast the case to possibly reveal new clues.[4][19] A Facebook page was also created to generate leads for the case.[13][20][21]

On April 23, 2018, a revised reconstruction was released and plans to exhume the victim for isotope testing and DNA phenotyping to predict geographical locations where she may have originated and to develop a clearer estimation of her ethnicity and physical characteristics.[22] Genetic genealogy, credited with identifying a suspect in the Golden State Killer case, would also be used to locate individuals biologically related to the victim.[5]

In August 2018, it was revealed isotopic analysis was performed on the victim's remains in the IsoForensics laboratory located in Utah. The testing indicated the Jane Doe likely spent most of her life in the Southwestern United States, such as Arizona and New Mexico. She had lived in the Midwest, perhaps states such as southwestern Wisconsin, northern Iowa and southern Minnesota for less than a year preceding her death. [4] It was speculated by investigators that her case was related to the so-called West Mesa murders, but this was later ruled out.[23]

Exclusions

A partial list of individuals who were excluded as potential identities of the Jane Doe, with the utilization of DNA and dental records.

Name	Birth date	Disappeared	Age at Jane Doe's murder	Location	Circumstances
Audrey Backeberg	July 6, 1942	July 7, 1962	65–66	Reedsburg, Wisconsin	A woman who vanished after having marital problems with her husband, who claims he is not involved in her disappearance.[24]
Patricia Schmidt	June 4, 1964	June 4, 1985	44	Richmond, Virginia	A woman who disappeared at the age of 21 and had left her children and her belongings behind, indicating foul play in her disappearance.[25]
Tiffany Sessions	October 29, 1968	February 9, 1989	39	Gainesville, Florida	A college student who was presumed to have been murdered, yet her body has never been located.[26]
Victoria Owczynsky	April 23, 1973	August 26, 1990	35	Minneapolis, Minnesota	A young woman who disappeared at the age of seventeen.[27]
Shannon Arif	April 4, 1977	March 17, 1998	31	Clarksville, Tennessee	A woman whose vehicle was located at the establishment she worked at, yet she had never clocked in that day to work. She is presumed to have been murdered.[28]
Stacy Rudolph	November 14, 1987	December 2, 2000	20	Medford, Wisconsin	A girl believed to have been abducted by her non-custodial mother.[29]
Bethany Sinclair	October 15, 1985	February 3, 2001	22	Chesterfield, New Hampshire	A teenager who went missing alongside her mother.[30]
Por Her	1978/1979	March 12, 2002	28-30	Minneapolis, Minnesota	A woman who disappeared from Minnesota, whose vehicle was located a week following her disappearance.[31]
Mindy Arnett	1981[14]	August 15, 2002	27–28	St. Ignace, Michigan	A woman thought to have jumped to her death with her baby daughter. Their bodies were never located.[32]
Tabitha Tuders	February 15, 1990	April 29, 2003	18	Nashville, Tennessee	A teenager who disappeared after she was seen entering the vehicle of a middle-aged man. There was unconfirmed sighting in October 2003.[33][14]
Becky Marzo	May 3, 1980	December 15, 2003	28	Milwaukee, Wisconsin	A woman who disappeared before she was due to testify against her abusive boyfriend, who committed suicide in 2007.[34][14]
Maura Murray	May 4, 1982	February 9, 2004	26	Amherst, Massachusetts[14]	A woman who disappeared after being involved in a single-vehicle accident in New Hampshire under suspicious circumstances.[35]
Tiffany Reid	December 2, 1987[36]	May 17, 2004	19	Shiprock, New Mexico	A teenager who disappeared, perhaps on her own accord and may still be in the area where she was last seen.[37]
Ashley Martinez	January 24, 1989 [38]	July 6, 2004	19	Saint Joseph, Missouri	A teenager who left her home state with an adult male who was later located alone in Washington. [39][40]
Amy Haueter	April 7, 1990 [41]	January 15, 2005	18	Fern Creek, Kentucky	A teenager with a history of running away who disappeared under unknown circumstances.[42][43]
Nina Herron	1983/1984	May 14, 2005	24/25	Albuquerque, New Mexico	A woman involved in drugs and prostitution prior to her disappearance.[44]
Madeline Edman	April 27, 1990	July 29, 2005	18	La Crosse, Wisconsin	A teen who is theorized to possibly be alive and living in the area that she disappeared from. Edman is of White and Hispanic ancestry and has Heterochromia iridum, which caused one of her eyes to be brown and the other to be blue.[45]
Jillian Ortiz	1985/1986	January 19, 2006	21-23	Albuquerque, New Mexico	A woman who disappeared after announcing plans to travel to California.[46]
Vanessa Reed	1981/1982	June 13, 2006	26/27	Albuquerque, New Mexico	A prostitute last seen at a hotel after an argument with her sister.[47]
Diana Mazariegos	June 22, 1991	June 23, 2006	17	Fontana, California	A teen believed to be alive and living in the area she disappeared from.[48]
Roxanne Paltauf	January 3, 1988	July 7, 2006[49]	20	Austin, Texas	A woman who disappeared under unknown circumstances from a hotel. [50]
Tammy Walker	1969/1970	October 13, 2006	36/37	New Port Richey, Florida	A woman reported missing by a friend after losing contact for two weeks.[51][14]
Brittany Stalman	1988/1989	November 16, 2006	19-20	North Delta, British Columbia	A teenager who disappeared after taking a walk following an argument with her boyfriend.[52][14]
Erinn Rogers	February 11, 1992	January 8, 2007	16	Modesto, California	A teenager who may still be living in the area where she disappeared.[53][14]
Kateri Mishow	September 22, 1984	January 8, 2007	23	Minneapolis, Minnesota	Little is known about the subject's disappearance.[54]
Nachida Chandara	February 27, 1992[55]	March 14, 2007	16	Phoenix, Arizona	A teenager last seen in Michigan, known to use several aliases.[56]
Ashley Summers	June 16, 1993	July 9, 2007	15	Cleveland, Ohio	A teenager who may have left home on her own accord. She made contact with her mother a month later but was never heard from again. Some theorize she may be a victim of Ariel Castro.[57][14]
Devinee Pingul	February 1, 1990	December 31, 2007	18	Las Vegas, Nevada	A teenage female who may have gone missing alongside a "male companion".[58]
Yasmin Acree	October 25, 1992	January 15, 2008	15	Chicago, Illinois	A teenager who went missing from her home. Unlike the Jane Doe, she was of African descent.[59]
Kyla Porter	October 27, 1988[60]	February 15, 2008	19	Tampa Bay, Florida	A young woman who had called her sister from a party, yet never returned to the residence. Authorities suspect she was murdered.[61]
Jascie Kaywaykla	May 12, 1988	April 7, 2008	20	Lawton, Oklahoma	A young woman who disappeared after she was dropped off at a store by a family member.[62]
Claudette Osborn	1987	July 24, 2008	21	Winnipeg, Manitoba	A Canadian woman who disappeared under suspicious circumstances.[63]
Dana Bruce	July 10, 1985	October 4, 2008	23	Sedalia, Missouri	A woman who disappeared under suspicious circumstances after spending time with a person of interest at a bar.[64]
Sarita Camacho	August 27, 1993[65]	October 15, 2008	15	San Diego, California	A teenager who may have run away to Mexico.[66]
Krista Lueth	1973/1974	November 11, 2008	34/35	Lansing, Michigan	A college student who disappeared under uncharacteristic circumstances.[67]

See also

• List of unsolved murders
• Murder of Peggy Johnson, a formerly unidentified woman found in Wisconsin in 1999.

References

1. "Jane Doe 2008". missingkids.org. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
2. Rodewald, Adam (5 August 2013). "Unidentified murder victim a 'total nightmare' case for detectives". Archived from the original on 14 July 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
3. "Cold Cases: Wisconsin Jane Doe baffles detective". Wisconsin Rapids Tribune. 1 August 2013. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
4. Roznik, Sharon and Razner, Sarah (21 August 2018). "Forensic testing leads investigators to Southwest in FDL Co's decade-old Jane Doe case". Fond du Lac Reporter. Retrieved 23 August 2018.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
5. Mays, Gabrielle (29 April 2018). "Could DNA profile uploaded to genealogy site help identify Jane Doe?". WLUK. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
6. Hicks, Brad (29 February 2012). "Unraveling the Jane Doe Mystery". Fox 6 Now. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
7. "Case File 764UFWI". The Doe Network. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
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9. Caron, Christina (9 December 2011). "Jane Doe Buried After Three Year Probe Hits Dead End". ABC News. 20/20 News. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
10. "Fond Du Lac Wisconsin Jane Doe November 2008". canyouidentifyme.org. Archived from the original on 9 August 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
11. Caron, Christina (9 December 2011). "Jane Doe Buried After Three Year Probe Hits Dead End". ABC Go. ABC. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
12. Plummer, Russell. "Trail Goes Cold: No ID for Murder Victim Found in Ashford Creek". News Makers. The Reporter.
13. Netter, Sarah (20 August 2009). "Detectives Get Court Order to Post Facebook Page of Dead Girl". ABC News. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
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15. "Buried Without My Name". Missing in America. 3 December 2012. Archived from the original on 1 June 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
16. "Cleveland Authorities Looked At FDL County's "Jane Doe"". News-Talk KFIZ. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
17. "Connie McCallister, Wis. woman who disappeared in 2004, found in Mexico; family says she was drugged, forced there". Crimesider. CBS. 8 November 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
18. Bellmyer, Jane (10 December 2011). "Body of woman, missing since '08, found near Delaware-Maryland line". Newark Post. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
19. "Jane Doe services held next month". WLUK-TV FOX 11. Fox. 27 November 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
20. "Woman Known As Jane Doe Buried In Fond du Lac County". ABC News. WISN 12. 7 December 2011. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
21. Lyle, D.P. (22 August 2009). "Fond Du Lac Jane Doe: A Unique Method for Corpse ID". Retrieved 25 July 2014.
22. "New Developments in FDL County Jane Doe Investigation". Sunny997. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
23. Rose, Joshua and Domol, John (22 August 2018). "Forensic Evidence May Connect Fond du Lac 'Jane Doe' with New Mexico Murders". WEAREGREENBAY. NextStar Media Group. Retrieved 19 September 2018.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
24. "Audrey Jean Good Blackburg". The Charley Project. 24 March 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
25. "Patricia Jean Schmidt". The Charley Project. 26 March 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
26. "Tiffany Sessions". missingkids.org. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
27. "Victoria Owczynsky". missingkids.org. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
28. "Shannon Elaine Riley Arif". The Charley Project. 27 May 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
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32. "Case File: Mindy Lou Arnett - 3158DFMI". doenetwork.org. The Doe Network. 9 February 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
33. Good, Meaghan. "Tabitha Danielle Tuders". The Charley Project. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
34. Good, Meaghan. "Becky Marie Marzo". The Charley Project. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
35. Good, Meaghan. "Maura Murray". The Charley Project. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
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38. "Ashley Martinez". National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
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40. "NamUs #MP6356". National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. 15 April 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
41. "Amy Haueter". National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
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47. "NamUs #MP13473". National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. 28 December 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
48. "Diana Mazariegos". missingkids.org. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
49. "Roxanne Paltauf No photo available M". National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
50. "NamUs #MP980". National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
51. Morris, Athina (8 June 2017). "Investigators revisit cold case of Holiday woman who disappeared in 2006". WFLA 8. NBC. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
52. "The Mysterious Disappearance of Brittany Stalman". The True Crime Files. 20 November 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
53. "Erinn Rogers". National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
54. "Kateri Marie Mishow". The Charley Project. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
55. "Nachida Chandara". National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
56. "NamUs #MP8705". National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. 30 November 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
57. Good, Meaghan. "Ashley Nicole Summers". The Charley Project. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
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59. "Yasmin Acree". missingkids.org. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
60. "Kyla G. Porter". The Charley Project. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
61. Weed, Alexis (31 May 2010). "Teen called from party, then vanished". Nancy Grace's Cold Cases. CNN. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
62. "Jascie Kara Kaywaykla". The Charley Project. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
63. "The Case of Claudette Priscilla June Osborne". CBC Radio Canada. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
64. "Dana Jean Bruce". The Charley Project. 16 September 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
65. "Sarita Camacho". National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
66. "Sarita Camacho". National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. 15 April 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
67. "NamUs #MP9002". National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. 21 December 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2018.

External links

• Fond du Lac County Jane Doe at NamUs
• Fond du Lac County Jane Doe at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• Fond du Lac County Jane Doe at The Doe Network
• Fond du Lac County Jane Doe at Find a Grave