List of unidentified murder victims in Florida
In Florida, there are a number of murder victims in the category of unidentified decedents, whose identities have yet to be found. In most of these cases, their murderer or murderers have also gone undiscovered.
Marion County Jane Doe
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On September 30, 1967, the skeletal remains of a biracial (Hispanic/African American) female were discovered by a group of hunters in the woods of Ocala National Forest near former State Route 315 just south of Fort McCoy, Florida. Cause of death was found to be a gunshot wound to the head, and she had been deceased for anywhere between a few months to two years. Investigators could not figure out whether the gunshot was self inflicted or homicidal. She was between 25 and 40 years old and was between 5 feet and 5 feet 3 inches tall. She also had black curly hair which was possibly bleached with an orange or red tint. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. She was found wearing a red and green plaid blouse, a broa and a black slip. Isotope testing indicated that she had remained in the southern United States for most if not all of her life. [1]
"Woman in the Trunk"
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An adult female, between the ages of 25 and 35 years old, was discovered wrapped in plastic and concealed in a footlocker on October 31, 1969 in St. Petersburg, Florida. The murder weapon, a necktie, was visible around her neck. Examination also concluded she had suffered blunt force trauma to the head. The murder had taken place within 72 hours of her discovery. She was five feet nine inches tall, weighed 130 pounds, and was the mother of at least one child. The dental care she received in her life was of relatively low quality, despite the fact that her wisdom teeth had been removed.[2] Her face has been reconstructed twice, including by the University of South Florida.[3]
"Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee"
The body of a young woman was found in the summer of 1971 underneath a bridge in Lake Panosoffkee, Florida. She had been killed by strangulation. Analysis of the remains traced her place of residence to a village in Greece. She had given birth to at least two children between the ages of 17 and 24 years. Evidence of various dental work and a unique ankle surgery were present on the body, which may indicate she was from a well-off background. Reconstructions were created between 1971 and 2012.[4][5]
Pinellas County Jane Doe (1972)
On April 25, 1972, the decomposed remains of a middle-aged white female were found on Belleair Beach in Pinellas County, Florida. The woman's head was not recovered, and wires were used to tie weights to her body, leading investigators to believe that her death was a homicide. She had been dead for anywhere between one to three weeks. She was estimated to be between 4 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighed between 120 and 125 pounds. Hair color and eye color could not be ascertained, but it is believed that she may have had naturally brown hair. She had a dark/tan complexion and may have been a smoker. A body was reported floating in the water a half mile south from where the Doe was found, however was not recovered by authorities, so it is unsure if the two are the same. [6]
Volusia County John Doe
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The body of a male, aged 11 to 14, was found floating in a pond on May 7, 1972 in Daytona, Volusia County, Florida. He had been stabbed to death three to four days before, and was already decomposed when he was found, preventing the assessment of his eye color. The victim was white, five feet two inches tall, and weighed around 110 to 120 pounds. He had dark wavy hair and had no evidence of dental work, but his teeth were in very good condition. On his right leg, a benign tumor was found, and the bones of his feet had fused together. Both of these traits were caused by different conditions but would not likely have had symptoms. The victim also may have shaved his pubis, if he was at a reproductive stage in his life.[7] He wore a denim jacket, a red and white striped shirt, gray pants, brown socks, and one black shoe with a silver buckle. The latter articles of clothing were presumed to be dress clothes. The boy had a wallet with visible paint drops in his back pants pocket, although it is unknown if it assisted with finding clues about the victim's identity. The body was exhumed in 2013 to collect DNA, although tests proved unsuccessful at generating a usable profile.[8]
"Edna"
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On July 19, 1972, the decomposed remains of a young white female were discovered just off of State Route 50 near Withlacoochee State Forest in Hernando County, Florida. She had been strangled to death and hidden under a bedspread, and had been dead for between three and five days. She was estimated to be between 25 and 40 years old, was approximately 5 feet tall and weighed between 130 and 140 pounds. She had medium-length brown hair. Her teeth were described to be in poor condition. She was only found wearing a white bra and white bikini-style panties. Witnesses claimed to have seen the woman exit a 1961 or 1962 Ford Falcon head into the woods with two other individuals, while only two returned. Se was exhumed in 2015 for testing and to make a facial reconstruction. Isotope testing on her body indicated that she had been in the United States for between five and ten years, and had been in Florida for several years. She has been nicknamed "Edna" by investigators.
Seminole County Jane Doe (1973)
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The body of an unidentified white female was found on August 21, 1973. She was likely between the ages of 13 and 18, but may have been as old as 21. It was believed that she may have been a victim of Joseph Spaziano's, as she was found within a wooded area, lying beneath the body of Laura Harbers, whose murder Spaziano was later charged with. A witness claimed to have met a teenage girl in Daytona Beach, Florida, who was riding on a motorcycle with Spaziano. The girl asked the witness to watch over her purse until she returned. When the girl did not return, the witness looked through the purse but could only recall to authorities that the girl may have been from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Five days later, Spaziano returned and took the purse from the witness.[9]
Seminole County Jane Doe was slenderly built, weighed about 110 pounds, and was between 5 feet 1 and 5 feet 7 inches tall. She had light brown hair tied in a ponytail.[10] Some of her teeth may have been found at the scene.[11]
Seminole County Jane Doe (1974)
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On November 24, 1974, the remains of a middle aged white female were found in what was a nearly fully-constructed Intestate Mall near Interstate 4 and State Route 436 in Altamonte, Florida. She may be a potential victim of serial killer, Gerald Stano, as he claimed to have killed a woman and then disposed of her at the site. He claimed she was a hitchhiker and never gave him her name. She was estimated to be between 38 and 55 years old, was between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weighed between 140 and 160 pounds. She had reddish blonde to light brown hair. She also had a narrow nose and an obese build. She was found wearing a pair of royal blue slacks with an elastic band, a light red or pink crew neck shirt, a sleeveless, knit blouse, a white bra, and a yellow gold wedding ring with diamond stones. She may have ties to California or Arizona as that's where her wedding ring was known to be sold during 1969 and 1972. [12]
Miami-Dade County Jane Doe (1979)
On September 4, 1979, a young woman's body was found lying in an apartment complex parking lot next to a dumpster, in Dade, Miami-Dade County, Florida. She was believed to have died just hours before, leaving her face in a recognizable condition. She had not been murdered at that location and had likely been killed at a different area.[13] Her eyes were described as hazel, although the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System states that they were a grayish-green.[14] Her hair was strawberry blonde, and she was five foot five to five foot eight inches tall, and weighed 120 pounds.[15][16] She was between 17 and 25 years old at the time of her death. On her calves, burns were found, possibly from coming in contact with tail pipes from riding on a motorcycle.[17] The victim had acne on her face and some fillings in her mouth. The body was found clad in a white tee shirt, a yellow scarf with flower designs, and blue jeans. Recent developments in her case have turned up the possibility that she may have been an Ohio runaway named Tina and nicknamed "Sheeba".[18] However, no information has been published if this lead has had results.[19][20] The missing girl had left Ohio in 1977, and has never been seen nor heard from since.[21] The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children published this information on their Facebook page dedicated to unidentified children, hoping for additional tips.[22]
Broward County John Doe (1979)
On November 2, 1979, a young white man was killed by a drunk driver while walking on Interstate 95 in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. The victim was killed alongside another individual who was later identified.[23] The unidentified victim was between 16 and 25 years old, five feet five inches (165 cm), and weighed 208 pounds (94 kg). His eyes were gray.[24] The victim's hair was brown, and he may have had facial hair, although this is unknown. He was fully clothed at the time of his death, but little details exist about the exact color or brands of his clothing. He had no evidence of seeing a dentist in his life, as he had no fillings nor other sorts of dental work.[25]
Collier County John Doe (1979)
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On November 21, 1979, an unresponsive white/Hispanic man was found in front of "Bob's Motel" in Immokalee, Florida. He had been beaten to death by a blunt instrument. The man was estimated to be between 36 and 45 years old, was between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed 154 pounds. He had black hair with a mustache and long sideburns. The man was believed to have been a smoker. He was found wearing a red and blue striped shirt, off-white pants, work boots, brown socks, jockey underwear, a blue and white baseball cap, and a Timex watch. He also had $10 USD in cash, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes, a Bic lighter, a blue handkerchief and an empty key case. Investigators believe that he may have been a migrant farm worker. In 1987, a man by the name of Julio Trejo confessed to police in Garden City, Kansas that he had beaten the man to death with a tire iron, before taking $12 and fleeing. He was convicted of the murder in September 1991. [26]
Collier County John Doe (1980)
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On May 18, 1980, a Hispanic man was found deceased behind an apartment building in Immokalee, Florida. He had been robbed and killed by a group of men who were later apprehended and convicted of his murder. He was estimated to be between 21 and 35 years old, was approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 125 to 130 pounds. He had black hair and brown eyes. He also had a gold tooth and a mustache. He was found wearing a button-down shirt with a flower print, tan trousers, a white undershirt, blue socks, and brown dress boots. Investigators believe the man was most likely an illegal immigrant with family in Mexico. A potential last name, "Rodriguez" is being considered in the man's identity. [27]
"Joanne English"
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On October 11, 1980, the body of a young African American woman was found on the side of a road in a rural area of Rockledge, Florida. She had been killed by a gunshot wound to the head. She was estimated to be between 21 and 30 years old, was 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 120 pounds. She had brown hair and brown eyes. She had been previously arrested in Pinellas County, Florida, where she provided officers with a false name of "Joanne English" as well as a fake social security number and date of birth. The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the woman's identification in June, 2019. [28]
Volusia County Jane Doe (1980)
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A young woman's remains were found in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida on November 5, 1980. She was murdered several weeks before and had most likely died due to stab wounds in her upper torso. The victim was a prostitute, according to convicted murderer Gerald Eugene Stano, who stated he choked the victim, instead of stabbing her, and said he had met her a few years before she was found dead. She was likely Hispanic, although she could have been White/Black biracial as well.[29] She was estimated to be between 15 and 25 years old, to have been subjected to labor that involved using her arms, had been between five foot seven to five foot eleven inches tall and weighed between 115 and 135 pounds.[30] Her height and weight ranges were difficult to estimate, as her skeleton was partial.[31] She had fillings that contained a metal that had been outdated at the time. Some of her teeth had been removed, and some had never developed. She wore a red shirt, green shoes, and a red pair of shorts. She also had a handkerchief and 27 cents in her possession.[29] Her face was digitally reconstructed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2014.[30]
Miami-Dade County Jane Doe (1981)
A female of African ancestry aged sixteen to twenty-six was discovered within a day of her death on February 3, 1981 in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The female had been beaten to death, as numerous injuries were noted on her body and was then left in a Japanese Garden. She was clothed, wearing a "white/beige shirt," blue jeans and white undergarments, the bottoms with the words "Rest Area Visitors Welcome." The young woman had a gap between her two front incisors and she had bleached her black hair blonde in some places. She was estimated to be five feet and two inches tall and to have weighed 90 pounds.[32][33]
Glades County Jane Doe
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A white woman's body was found floating in a canal in Moore Haven, Glades County, Florida, on March 9, 1981, approximately one day after she was killed by a blow to the side of her head. Although she had died recently, her body was already decomposing and was unrecognizable.[34] The victim may have been seen earlier at two local restaurants before her death. She was between 25 and 45 years old, wearing a pink shirt, a white bra, jeans, blue knee-high socks, and brown ankle-high boots. The letter "N" was tattooed amateurishly on the top of her right thumb, which may have represented her or a loved one's name.[35] The woman had painted her toenails with a copper-colored polish but not her fingernails. This is possibly due to her nails being chewed short. She had hazel eyes and auburn hair. The woman's height was between five foot four to five foot six inches and she weighed approximately 125 pounds.[36]
Collier County Jane Doe (1982)
On June 13, 1982, the torso of a young white female was discovered floating in a canal 200 yards east of a rest area of Alligator Alley, 37 miles east of Naples, Florida. Cause of death could not be determined, but was considered a definite homicide, as the woman had been dismembered and had the word "drug" carved into her back. Investigators believe she was killed at another location and dumped in the marsh. She was estimated to be between 16 and 22 years old, and was between 5 feet to 5 feet 6 inches tall. Weight, hair color and eye color could not be determined. Investigators found that she suffered from pulmonary emphysema as well as spina bifida. An extensive search was conducted to find more remains of the woman to no avail. [37]
Belle Glade Does
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On July 14, 1982, the decomposed remains of three white/Hispanic people were found in a canal on the New Hope Sugar plant in Belle Glade, Florida. Two were male and one was female. All three decedents had been bound, and gagged, and handcuffed in various ways, and then shot in the back by their assailants. Their bodies had been in the canal for about a week. Investigators believe that the Does were not killed on location, and their deaths may have been drug-related.
The female victim was between 18 and 25 years old. She was between 5 feet and 5 feet two inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained. Her teeth were in noticeably bad condition. She was found wearing a multicolored scarf and a Camel brand short sleeve shirt with a camel, pyramid and palm trees printed on it. [38]
The younger male was between 25 and 40 years old, was between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall, and weighed between 150 and 190 pounds. He had brown hair and wore a mustache. He was found wearing a pair of Marc Phillipe brand blue jeans, a pair of gym shorts and a pair of Fruit of the Loom underwear. [39]
The older male was estimated to be between 45 and 55 years old, was between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighed between 140 and 160 pounds. He had black hair with a thick Fu Man Chu mustache and long mutton chops. He had a tattoo on his outer-left shoulder with the initials 'ZDM' written on it in a diamond shape, and a tattoo on his back left shoulder of a snake with a woman's head and the words "Asi Erestu" above it. He was wearing a pair of 'Plain Pocket' brand blue jeans, a black leather belt, a gold chain with a pair of black and yellow cat charms, a silver wristwatch on his hand and a gold ring with white stones surrounding a pink stone. [40]
Indian River County Jane Doe
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On September 1, 1982, the decomposing remains of a young white female were discovered floating in a shallow canal near State Route 60, 17 miles west of Vero Beach, Florida. She had been shot multiple times by a .38 caliber firearm. She was estimated to be between 21 and 35 years old, was approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed between 130 and 140 pounds. She had dark brown hair and brown eyes. She appeared to have two cesarean section scars. She was found wearing a short sleeved, white pullover blouse with a gold fringe on the bottom, blue jeans, knee high stockings, a gold and silver wedding ring on her left hand, and a large ring with gold, white and turquoise on top with a silver band on her right hand. Investigators believe she had no link to David Alan Gore, a serial killer prominent in the area during the time. She was exhumed in 2016 for an additional reconstruction and further analysis. [41]
Collier County John Doe (1982)
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On November 21, 1982, the body of a middle aged white/Hispanic man was discovered by a group of hunters near US Route 41, about four miles east of Ochopee, Florida. The man had been killed by a gunshot wound to the head. The man was estimated to be between 30 and 60 years old, was approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed between 180 and 200 pounds. he had long black hair and was clean shaven. He also had a large tattoo of a man with a halo. He was found wearing a blue pullover sweater, another dark blue sweater, a pair of black slacks, white underwear and a brown belt. A witness claimed that the man had been brought to the area from the Miami area. Investigators found a potential name "Eduardo Bellito DeLina" which, when traced, yielded no conclusive results. A man, Jose Julian Ortega, was charged with the murder after a witness claimed that she saw him kill the unknown man. [42]
South Bay John Doe
On February 3, 1984, the skeleton of a male, aged 17 to 28, was found in South Bay, Palm Beach County, Florida. It is believed that he had died within a year of his body's being found. The victim was approximately five foot nine inches to six feet tall, and weighed at around 110 to 130 pounds. He was found clothed; he wore blue underwear beneath a pair of white swim trunks and white socks with a blue stripe. Analysis of his bones indicated he had broken some ribs weeks before his murder and had suffered trauma to his right hand that failed to heal properly, which may have distorted the way his thumb looked. The young man had fillings in his teeth and one of his back teeth had been extracted a year or more before.[43] The cause of death was ruled as homicide, as he had been struck with a blunt object in the back of his head. His hair was brown and was somewhat curly.[44] One missing person, Terry Stokes, has been excluded from the case.[45]
Broward County Jane Doe (1984)
The body of a young, white woman, aged 18 to 35, was located face-down in a canal in Davie, Broward County, Florida on February 18, 1984. The woman wore only shorts; the possibility of her having been sexually assaulted has not been confirmed. The Jane Doe was five foot four inches tall and weighed 120 pounds. She had curly blonde or strawberry blonde hair, hazel eyes,[46] and had a gap between her front teeth, which may pose an important role in identifying her.[47] She had been strangled around two days before her body was located. It is possible that she was murdered by Christopher Wilder.[48]
Altoona Jane Doe
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On April 18, 1984, a 17 to 20-year-old female was found in the woods in Altoona, Lake County, Florida, several weeks after she died. Her remains were severely decomposed and had mostly been skeletonized. She was approximately 5.0' to 5.1' tall and weighed between 90 and 110 pounds. The victim had straight light brown to auburn hair and is believed to be white. She wore a black shirt reading, "Here comes trouble," a whitish shirt with the words, "Have you kissed your child tonight?", jeans, tan shoes with blue trim, tan underwear, and a gold necklace.[49] She may have fractured two of her ribs during her life, which may assist in identifying her.[50] It is known that her left ear was pierced, but she wore no earring when found. Decomposition prevented knowing if the other ear was pierced. She had painted her nails a coral or orange-red. After a dental exam, she was found to have been missing two teeth on the top jaw and had some that were discolored a reddish-purple color. The victim may have been new to the area, as initial reports state.[51]
Broward County John Doe (1985)
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A man was found on March 12, 1985 in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida, shortly after his death.[52] He was murdered and left in a hotel room by two people, who were convicted in his murder. The man was between 21 and 35 years of age when he died, five foot eight inches tall, and weighed 181 pounds. The John Doe had brown hair, brown eyes, and a mustache, and was possibly of French origin, but this has not been confirmed. Although he was found naked, a blue shirt and tan pants were found in the room.[53]
"Tommy Torso"
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Between April 2 and April 8, 1985, the dismembered remains of a young white/Hispanic male were found washed up on various beaches in the Dade County, Florida area.The man was killed by gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen before being dismembered with a saw. He was estimated to be between 20 and 40 years old, was between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighed between 135 and 180 pounds. He had black receding hair and a large sutured scar running from his waistline to the back of his right shoulder. He also had a tattoo that read "L.R." on his right arm near the shoulder. His remains were found also with a dismembered woman's remains, who was later identified as 27-year-old Nilsa Padilla. Her boyfriend at the time, Jorge Walter Nuñez, was believed to be responsible for their murders, however, has not been apprehended by police. [54]
Citrus County John Doe
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On June 14, 1985, the charred remains of a white male of indeterminate age were found in a rural area of Lecanto, Florida. Investigators believe that the man had been set on fire while still alive. He had also been beaten. The man was estimated to be between 35 and 72 years old, was between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighed between 134 and 140 pounds. He had brown or gray hair and blue eyes. He was found wearing a pair of black slacks, a white dress shirt with blue pinstripes, black dress shoes, blue socks, a nylon windbreaker and a large brass crucifix. He was also found with a black smoke pipe and some matchbooks. His body was exhumed in 2018 for DNA and chemical isotope analysis. Isotope tests determined that he originated from the southeastern United States. Citrus County is offering an $8,000 USD reward for information on the case. [55]
Hillsborough County Jane Doe (1985)
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On December 7, 1985, the decomposing remains of a young African American female were discovered in a wooded area of Tampa, Florida in what is described as an illegal dumping ground. She had been killed through unknown, homicidal means. She was estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old, between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 112 pounds. She had black hair and a petite build. No clothing was found with the remains. She was exhumed in 2016 for additional analysis. Some family members thought that the unidentified woman may be Brenda Williams, a woman who was missing since 1978, before another unidentified woman was ruled to be Brenda. [56]
Collier County John Doe (1986)
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The body of a male, possibly using the name of "Sebastian Pasqual", between the ages of fifteen to twenty-five (possibly as old as thirty) was found on May 12, 1986 in Immokalee, Collier County, Florida.[57] The victim's race was difficult to assess, although he had a darker complexion, black hair and brown eyes. Examiners believe he was either of Hispanic or Indian descent. The victim was discovered about a day after he died by officers searching for a "potential stabbing victim". The male had a faint beard and was approximately five feet one to five feet two inches tall (155–157 cm) and weighed about 120 to 140 pounds (54 to 64 kilograms). He wore a beige shirt with snap buttons, blue corduroy pants and a belt with a buckle depicting several rifle bullets.[58] The John Doe carried five dollars and ninety-four cents. It is also believed he may have been a smoker.[59]
Dade County John Doe
On January 5, 1988, the body of a young male was discovered inside of a hotel room in Miami, Dade County, Florida. The victim, aged between 16 and 21 years, was five foot six inches and weighed 145 to 153 pounds. The boy had blond hair, gray or brown eyes, and scars on his wrists, hands, and right thigh. Claiming he was a foster child native to New York selling magazines, the John Doe had told various people his name was Robert Copland or associated nicknames. However, investigators are unable to verify his actual name.[60] The boy wore a white shirt with a flag design, jeans, and ankle-high socks. No dental fillings or signs of orthodontic treatment were observed, as his teeth were described to have appeared fairly healthy.[61] He was previously believed to have been the missing person Chester Wetmore, but he was ruled out after their fingerprints were compared.[62]
Wilderness Park John Doe
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The remains of a man of African descent (originally believed to be Asian)[63] were found in Wilderness Park, Hillsborough County, Florida on March 14, 1988. He was approximately 28 to 34 years old, between five foot five and five foot six inches tall, and his weight is unknown due to skeletonization. He was found wearing jeans and a tee shirt reading "Drunken State",and possessed a blue wallet. A cause of death has not been determined, although he was believed to have been murdered. His face was reconstructed by artist Wesley Neville, who has created several other reconstructions of other unidentified people.[64][65][66]
"Julie Doe"
A transgender woman discovered in Clermont, Florida in September 1988. She was initially believed to have been cisgender, until DNA revealed otherwise. She is believed to have been murdered, based on the apparent concealment of her body.[67]
Clearwater Pass John Doe
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On October 29, 1988, the decomposing remains of a white (with possible Latin, Italian, or Greek) admixture were found by a fisherman, floating in the Gulf of Mexico near Clearwater Pass, Pinellas County, Florida. The man had been killed by two point-blank gunshots to the back of the head. He was estimated to be between 30 and 60 years old, was 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed between 200 and 220 pounds. He had black hair with slight graying. He was wearing a pair of black swim trunks with green stripes as well as a white T-shirt with a logo saying "OCEAN VIEW CLUB, FOR KIDS ONLY!". He was weighed down by a chain wrapped around his neck and a weight being used to keep him down. Investigators say that he was affluent with good food. [68]
Hillsborough County John Doe (1989)
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On May 29, 1989, the decomposed remains of a white male were found floating in an abandoned residential pool in Tampa, Florida. The cause of death was initially believed to be accidental drowning, however investigators later deemed it was a homicide. The man was estimated to be between 20 and 45 years old, was between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 170 pounds. Hair color and eye color could not be ascertained. The man was found wearing a pair of blue jeans, a long sleeve shirt, a black belt, a pair of blue and white sneakers, and a white metal Timex watch with a black band. Isotope testing indicated that the man had grown up in the southeastern United States before moving to the northeast. He had not been in Tampa long before being murdered. [69]
Duval County John Doe
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On January 20, 1990, the skeletal remains of a middle-aged white male were found in a wooded area in Little Talbot Island, Florida. The island is known for being largely undeveloped and being a state park. He had been killed by a gunshot wound to the head and had been dead for anywhere between three and six months. The man was estimated to be between 40 and 60 years old and was between 6 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall. He had blond/light brown hair. He was found wearing a blue button-down shirt, blue pants, a white T-shirt, a light gray jacket, black socks, black leather lace shoes, white boxers, a hat/visor, and a brown belt. A key chain with 4 keys, two of which belonged to General Motors brand cars, a government-issued ballpoint pen, black-framed non-prescription eyeglasses, a bottle of super glue, nail clippers, a plastic comb and a black smoking pipe. [70]
Volusia County Jane Doe (1990)
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On April 23, 1990, the partial skeletal remains of a young white female were discovered in Ormond Beach, Florida. Cause of death was found to be strangulation with a ligature. Her wrists were also bound with rope. She was estimated to be between 25 and 40 years old and was between 5 feet and 5 feet 4 inches tall. She had light brown hair and appeared to have given birth to a child at least once during her life. Teeth were described as "unusual" during autopsy. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. The only piece of clothing found with her was a nylon slip. Skeletal and dental records were compared with national missing persons reports, however, they did not match any. A clay reconstruction was made in 2000, which generated some tips. In 2015, an updated digital reconstruction was made. [71]
Broward County Jane Doe (1990)
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On October 28, 1990, the decomposing remains of an African American female were discovered in a canal in Miramar, Florida, after police followed an anonymous tip to the woman's location. She had been killed by multiple gunshot wounds to her back. She was estimated to be between 25 and 45 years old, was 5 feet 5 inches tall, and weighed 136 pounds. She had short black hair with reddish-brown extensions that had been recently styled. She also had a tattoo on her right arm of Sagittarius with a large scar near it. She also had a tattoo of a "B" on her right arm as well as pierced ears and red false fingernails. Investigators believe she was killed at another location before being deposited where she was found. [72]
Sorrento Jane Doe
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In Sorrento, Lake County, Florida, a woman's body was discovered on December 7, 1991. She had been murdered approximately twelve hours prior. She had been raped and was naked below the waist. She was between five foot four to five foot five inches tall and weighed between 120 and 125 pounds. Her hair was brown with blonde-dyed ends. She wore a sweatshirt, a sports bra, and a pink and blue top. Her teeth were healthy, and her eyes hazel; she had given birth to at least one child and possibly another. Although she had also been tortured, the victim, aged 25 to 35, was killed by strangulation. Her face was recognizable, and she wore unique earrings with gold-colored heart and star shapes, but was never identified. Her killer was arrested and charged for her murder, but did not know her name.[73]
Apopka Jane Doe
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On April 22, 1993, the decomposing remains of a young female of possible mixed ancestry (white or Hispanic) were found by a man searching for scrap metal about a half-mile north of US Route 441 in Apopka, Florida. She had been killed by a gunshot wound and was hidden under a large piece of galvanized roof metal. She had been deceased for anywhere between three and six weeks. She was estimated to be between 18 and 22 years old, was between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed between 100 and 110 pounds. She had dark brown hair and fake fingernails as well as three piercings on each ear. She also may have possibly been an asymptomatic sufferer of spina bifida occulta. She was found wearing a New York Giants T-shirt with a picture of a football helmet which read "Super Bowl Champions XXV", a pair of 'Krayan' brand, teal, silk shorts, a light blue single piece swimsuit, a pair of sandals, a 14 karat gold ring on her left ring finger, two other gold rings, and square shaped hoop earrings. [74]
Palm Beach County Jane Doe
A skeleton of a female between 16 and 20 years old was found hidden underbrush on August 28, 1993 in the Everglades, near the border between Palm Beach and Broward Counties. She was around five foot one to five foot five inches and weighed approximately 100 pounds.[75] The young woman wore men's shorts and a large boot. No other clothing nor the cause of her death was discovered. She had an abnormality in her spine which may have caused difficulties when walking. The female was dead for up to two years.[76] Currently, three people have been ruled out as a possible identity of the decedent.[77]
Punta Gorda John Doe
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On February 1, 1994, the decomposed remains of a white or Hispanic male were discovered in Punta Gorda, Florida by a pair of hunters. the Man had been killed by homicidal means, as his body had rope marks and his neck and genitals were mutilated, with is genitals being completely removed. The man was estimated to be between 25 and 58 years old, was between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighed between 125 and 170 pounds. He had brown hair and appeared to have been injured about four years before his death. He also had a steel pin surgically inserted into his left leg. Investigators were able to track down the manufacturer of the pin based on the serial number but could not find the hospital where the procedure took place. The man is believed to be a victim of the "Hog Trail Murders" by Daniel Conahan. [78]
"Baby Belle"
The decomposing remains of an infant were found on May 23, 1996 in Clewiston, Hendry County, Florida. The child was female, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall and weighed around 5 pounds. Her body was concealed in a multicolored blanket that appeared to be made in a Mexican or Native American design. The baby was white with Hispanic characteristics, as she had dark hair. Four other blankets, a red bucket, and a sweater were also found at the scene.[79][80] The infant was approximately 3 weeks to 2 months old when she died, several days before her body was found by a man collecting cans along a road, near US 27.[81] Her case is being treated as a murder, as her lower and upper jaws were fractured. Her footprints were compared to many taken at local hospitals, but none matched.[82]
Bay County Jane Doe
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The remains of a white woman, possibly native to the Czech Republic, were found on May 30, 1996 in Southport, Bay County, Florida. She was between five foot six to five foot nine inches tall, but her weight was not possible to estimate, although she was of petite build. Examination of her body indicated that she may have been in a vehicular accident when she was alive, as there were healed fractures on her nose, knee, and ribs. Some of her teeth were missing. Her hair was light brown, wavy, and had blonde highlights, and she wore a gold bracelet, a bluish pullover, and a sports bra. She was approximately 21 to 35 years old.[83] A woman matching the victim's description was seen on April 20, 1996 with a man leaving a gentleman's club. The man, Billy Frank Hansen, was convicted of second-degree murder of the woman, whom he confessed to raping and murdering after he agreed to drive her home. The victim had been apparently heavily intoxicated and stated that she would have sexual intercourse with Hansen if he paid her. These events took place on April 20 of the same year.[84]
Hillsborough County John Doe (1998)
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A black male, clothed only in shorts, was unearthed from a shallow grave on April 6, 1998 in Plant City, Hillsborough County, Florida. The victim had been shot with a shotgun and was then wrapped in a carpet after his murder earlier in the 1990s. Raymond Crocker went on trial for the murder after the body was found, and his wife confessed to assisting him with disposing of the body in 1994. She claimed that her husband murdered the man in Zephyrhills, Florida because he was in debt to the victim for cocaine.[85] The victim was between 25 and 45 years old, five foot seven to five foot nine inches tall, and weighed around 180 pounds.[86]
"Fort Myers 8"
Six victims of eight total victims, suspected to have been killed by Daniel Conahan, are unidentified. They died between 1987 and 2001.[87]
Dade County John Doe (2003)
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On August 14, 2003, a group of divers was repairing the bottom of a sinking houseboat when one of them discovered the skull of an Asian-American man in a deteriorating metal box at the bottom of the bay in Watson Island, Florida. More remains were discovered in a subsequent search. Cause of death was deemed a suicide since the skull had a gunshot wound. The man was estimated to be between 36 and 45 years old and was 5 feet 6 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained. The man was found to have a deformity in his left collar bone as well as an upper tooth denture. No clothing was found, however, a piece of denim was discovered near the remains. [88]
Alachua County Jane Doe (2003)
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On August 20, 2003, the decomposing remains of a young African American/Caribbean infant were found floating in a private pond of an old catfish farm in Alachua County, Florida. Cause of death was unknown, but most likely negligent homicide by her parents. She was between 2 weeks and 5 months old, was 22 inches tall and weighed 10 pounds. She had black, short, curly hair. The location she was found is just east of State Route 121, and authorities believe that the infant was dumped at the location. DNA and isotope testing were conducted, and determined that the child's parents were of Caribbean descent, and that she had been born in the United States. [89]
Naples Jane Doe
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On April 14, 2004, the skeletal remains of a white female were discovered by a Florida deputy in Naples, Florida. No postmortem trauma was found, however investigators believe she was killed through foul play, as she had been buried in a shallow grave. She had been dead for at least a year. She was estimated to be between 30 and 45 years old and was between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 6 inches tall. Weight, eye color, and hair color could not be ascertained. She was found wearing a cotton sweat suit (pants and sweatshirt) and light blue and silver sneakers. She was wrapped inside of a green shower curtain. [90]
Sarasota County Jane Doe (2007)
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On February 6, 2007, the decomposed remains of a young-middle aged white female were discovered in a wooded area in Sarasota, Florida, after a teenage boy found one of the woman's bones protruding from the ground. Police later found the rest of the woman's remains, laying on her side. Cause of death could not be determined, but investigators believe it is a homicide due to the circumstances in which she was found. She was estimated to be between 36 and 45 years old, was approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed between 145 and 165 pounds. She had long, reddish-brown hair styled in a ponytail. She also had saline breast implants, which appeared to have been manufactured and used in 1998. Her teeth appeared to have suffered from moderate periodontal disease. She was found wearing a multicolored pullover shirt, a light colored 'Spice Wear' brand skirt, a dark colored thong styled undergarment, a leather string belt and two pairs of socks, one turquoise/blue and the other white. No suspicious activity had been noted in the area in which she was found, and investigators believe that she was buried at the location months before being discovered. [91]
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External links
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