BAKERSFIELD, CA (KUZZ ) — The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has identified a woman whose remains were discovered nearly five decades ago in an Arvin vineyard, bringing long-awaited answers to her family.
In June 1978, the remains of an unidentified woman were found near South Wheeler Ridge Road in Kern County. With no confirmed identity, the homicide investigation went cold, and the victim became known only as “Jane Doe.”
For decades, KCSO detectives and Coroner’s Office personnel continued working to uncover new leads. At the time the remains were discovered, DNA testing was not available, and investigators relied primarily on fingerprints and dental records. Fingerprint analysis did not provide an identification, and although dental X-rays were collected, there were no known dental records available for comparison.
As forensic technology advanced, investigators revisited the case. In 2007, Coroner personnel discovered that no DNA sample had been collected during the original investigation, leading to the exhumation of the remains so a sample could be obtained. The DNA was submitted to the California Department of Justice, but no match could be found because there was no available family reference DNA in existing databases.
The case remained open until advances in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy provided a new path forward.
KCSO announced that the woman known for nearly 48 years as Jane Doe has now been positively identified as Michelle Louise Collier of Fresno, California.
Investigators say the identification was made possible through a collaboration between the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit, the Kern County Coroner’s Office, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the California Department of Justice, and private forensic company Othram. The company provided Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy services, which are supported through grants and donations.
Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy combines advanced DNA analysis with traditional genealogical research. The technology has become a valuable tool in helping investigators generate leads and identify victims in cases that remained unsolved for decades.
KCSO officials say Michelle Collier’s identification highlights the importance of continuing to pursue cold cases with every available scientific advancement.
“Every person deserves their name, every family deserves answers, and no case is ever truly forgotten,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Although KCSO does not have a dedicated Cold Case Unit, investigators say they remain committed to using new technology and investigative methods to solve unresolved cases and identify unknown victims.
The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate Michelle Collier’s death and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.
Comments