23. DNA Doe Project

 

Jane Doe’s nude, nearly skeletonized remains were found on August 30,1987, near Anaheim, CA.  Her remains were scattered over a grassy area just off the highway.  Searchers found no clothes, no pocketbook, no car keys nor other clues to her identity.  She had a chipped front tooth and 6 missing teeth.  

 

Who was this young woman?  What happened?  Where was her family?  Clearly, foul play was involved.  But first, the police needed to know who this woman was.  Dental impressions and searches of local dental records proved nothing.  Missing persons files also yielded no clues.  However, the police were able to secure a DNA sample.

 

Then, the DNA Doe Project (DDP), working through the Orange County Sheriff’s Department of Anaheim, California, identified Anaheim Jane Doe as Tracey Coreen Hobson.  On January 17, 2019, the Sheriff’s Department announced the positive confirmation of the identification.  Tracy, who was 20 years old at the time she disappeared in the summer of 1987, was a former Anaheim La Mirada High School student and Anaheim resident.

 

Tracy’s identification was made possible by the work of DDP volunteers using genetic genealogy.  Because genetic genealogy is not yet accepted as a legal form of identification, it can only be considered a lead in an investigation.  The Coroner’s Office then used forensic dentistry to legally confirm Tracy’s identity.  The Sheriff’s Department is now focusing on the investigation of Tracy’s homicide and bringing her killer to justice.

 

Check out the DDP website https://dnadoeproject.org/case/anaheim-jane-doe/

 

Genetic genealogy can also help you find your ancestors.  Join your local genealogical society to learn more.

 

Ron Gilmore

Email:         rvg3@me.com

Website:     https://www.rgenealogy.ca