51 years after woman found murdered, Loudoun County Sheriff's Office releases facial reconstruction
Nov 21, 2024
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) -- The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) announced on Tuesday that Investigators partnered with a forensic artist to create a clay facial reconstruction of a young, unidentified Black woman who was killed in the county more than 50 years ago.
The woman, known only as "Jane Doe," was discovered on May 28, 1973, on Foundry Road and Taylor Road in Lincoln, Va. She had been shot to death.
Despite an "extensive investigation," the sheriff's office said detectives at the time could not identify Doe or arrest any suspects, leaving her case open for over 50 years.
In 2023, forensic crews exhumed Doe's body from an unmarked grave at the Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, transporting her to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) office in Manassas.
The office obtained a DNA sample and created a DNA profile; however, investigators have been unable to link it to any closely related family members. The sheriff's office said possible relatives identified are "too far removed" from Doe to establish a close enough match to identify her.
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Investigators have also established several states where Doe might have lived, including Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan and Mississippi. Deputies said the surnames Booker, Shepherd and Loving are also potentially connected to Doe.
The sheriff's office's Cold Case Unit, in collaboration with forensic artist and George Mason adjunct professor Joe Mullins, created the clay reconstruction with the goal of identifying Doe. Officials hope to identify her so they can give her a proper burial.
The clay sculpture depicts a Black woman in her late 20s to early 30s. Deputies said Doe had black hair and was approximately 5 feet and 7 inches tall, weighing around 145 lbs.
When she was found, she was wearing an orange blouse and knit pants with a plaid orange, blue and white jacket, according to the LCSO. She also had a "yellow gold ring" on her finger with a blue square Swarovski stone and purple and red manicured nails.
The facial clay reconstruction erected of "Jane Doe." (Courtesy: The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office)The facial clay reconstruction erected of "Jane Doe." (Courtesy: The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office)
The sheriff's office also released images of what Jane Doe might have looked like, along with the outfit she was wearing.
A constructed image of what Jane Doe might have looked like. (Courtesy: The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office)An image of the outfit Jane Doe was wearing when she was found. (Courtesy: The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office)
"This cold case illustrates law enforcement at its finest. I’m so proud of the work the LCSO has done on this case, as well as our partnerships with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and with Professor Mullins,” said sheriff Mike Chapman. “I hope this relentless determination, combined with the renewed interest sparked by this incredible sculpture, not only leads to identifying the victim but also brings us closer to solving the murder.”
Investigators encourage anyone with information about Doe's identity to call the LCSO at 703-777-1021. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.