Case Solves
Case Solve: McLean County, Illinois, Jane Doe Identified as Linda Cecilia Haddad
Moxxy Forensic Investigations, in partnership with the McLean County Coroner's Office and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, has positively identified a woman whose remains were discovered in rural McLean County in 1982. The individual, previously referred to as “McLean
County Jane Doe,” has been confirmed through investigative genetic genealogical analysis to be 39-year-old Linda Cecilia Haddad. Linda’s remains were discovered on February 2, 1982, along US Route 136 between LeRoy and Bellflower.
Despite dedicated investigative efforts at the time and over the decades since, her identity remained unknown for more than 40 years. Using advanced DNA technology and investigative genetic genealogy, investigators were finally able to identify the body of “McLean County Jane Doe.”
On February 2, 1982, at approximately 1:50 PM a McLean County Sheriff's deputy heard a member of District 6 of the Illinois State Police dispatched a trooper to the area of Rt 136, 1.5 miles east of Rt. 150, for a reportedly deceased individual. Upon the deputy's arrival, he met with LeRoy Police, LeRoy Rescue and an ISP Crime Scene Technician, who was traveling on Rt 136, when the dispatch went out. At the scene there was an unidentified deceased female. Additional
ISP and McLean County Coroner's and Sheriff's Office investigators arrived and ultimately "Jane Doe" was transported to the former Brokaw Hospital in Normal, IL, for a postmortem examination. Subsequent investigation would determine that no foul play was involved, and "Jane Doe", as she would become known, died as a result of suicide.
She was initially described as being approximately 38-40 years old, 5'10" tall, with hazel eyes and black hair, and weighed approximately 150 pounds.
Investigators located and interviewed numerous people regarding “Jane Doe.” Results of those interviews indicated multiple people gave her rides, or attempted to assist her in some manner, dropping her off when requested, at numerous locations between Clinton, Bloomington,
Heyworth and Leroy, IL. Those who gave rides or tried to assist “Jane Doe” stated some of the things she talked about seemed unusual and her behavior seemed erratic. Some felt she was agitated.
At approximately 1:35 P.M., a passerby located the body of “Jane Doe” off Rt. 136, approximately 1.5 miles east of Rt. 150 hanging near the base of the utility pole, her feet on the ground and knees bent. The passerby stopped a IDOT snowplow after which the snowplow
driver and passerby cut "Jane Doe" from the pole and called for assistance.
Additional investigation by MCCO, MCSO and ISP investigators followed up on considerable leads and tips from the public. A locksmith in New York was identified from a key on her keychain, but the lead ended there. Throughout the remainder of 1982, the investigation continued, including the involvement of a forensic anthropologist from the University of Oklahoma, along with additional media releases. Unfortunately, no new leads or information as to whom "Jane Doe" was developed. She was buried on December 7, 1982, in a rural Bloomington cemetery. The investigation slowly wound down, due to a lack of additional information.
In 2016, the McLean County Coroner's Office was contacted by an individual who was researching the case and presented some information they had developed. The case was reopened and this information was investigated by MCSO detectives, but did not lead to the identification of "Jane Doe". Her DNA was uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and an entry for the McLean County "Jane Doe" was submitted to NamUs. No hits or leads were
developed from either upload, and the investigation was suspended due to a lack of new information.
In January of 2021, the Coroner's Office received a communication from another individual who was researching the case. Based on the strength of the information for a possible candidate, the case was reopened and investigated by MCSO detectives. Ultimately, it was determined through comparison of DNA samples that "Jane Doe" was not the missing person from the tip. A review of the 1982 reports compiled by the involved law enforcement agencies was undertaken, and a timeline was developed to gain a better understanding of her movements prior to her death. In March of 2021, investigation of the case was suspended due to a lack of new information.
In August of 2023, MCSO Criminal Investigation Department was contacted by an investigative genetic genealogist with Moxxy Forensic Investigations regarding this case. After several conversations with Moxxy and MCSO Command Staff, a meeting was held, and it was decided to reopen this investigation and pursue it further.
Through their work in investigative genetic genealogy, Moxxy Forensic Investigations has identified a number of previously unidentified deceased individuals and perpetrators of violent crimes, in addition to their advocacy for unreported missing person cases. A fundraising
campaign was initiated by Moxxy Forensics and in November of 2024, the project goal was reached. In February 2025, Moxxy Forensic Investigations commenced genealogical analysis, and by late March, had developed a potential candidate for “Jane Doe”. Living genetic relatives of “Jane Doe” were identified, and a sample from one was taken and directly compared to “Jane Doe’s” profile, with their close genetic relationship confirming the identity of “Jane Doe”.
On August 1, 2025, following a final round of comparative testing, it was determined that “Jane Doe” was, in fact, Linda Cecilia Haddad, born August 27, 1942 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She would have been 39 years old at the time of her death.
The breakthrough came as a result of a collaboration with Moxxy Forensic Investigations, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in investigative genetic genealogical analysis, the McLean County Coroner's Office and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office.
By partnering with Atlanta, Georgia-based organization Genologue to sequence an existing DNA profile and Parabon NanoLabs of Reston, Virginia to conduct bioinformatics, a digital kit was developed and uploaded to the public DNA database GEDmatch. Seven of Moxxy’s
investigative genetic genealogists conducted a month-long investigation before developing a viable lead that ultimately connected Linda’s DNA profile with relatives who were able to assist in confirming her identity.
“Due to recent immigration in Linda’s ancestry from Lebanon, Ireland, and Québec, which are greatly underrepresented demographics in public DNA databases used for investigative genetic genealogical research, our team is very appreciative that some of her DNA matches were willing to assist us in sharing their family history, which helped lead us to Linda,” said Bryan Worters, assistant case lead. “This could have been a case that took years to resolve, but thanks to help from her extended family and unique ancestry, Linda was able to be identified much sooner.”
“Linda’s case is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when science, compassion, and determination come together,” said Kaycee Connelly, case lead and co-founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations. “Despite the challenges posed by the underrepresentation of her paternal DNA, our team persevered and built a strong connection through her maternal line. We are truly honored to have helped bring her home.”
Linda’s family has been notified and has provided the following statement:
Linda grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with her parents, older sister, and golden retriever Michael. Her father brought home fish and chips every Friday evening, which her family would often eat together on the banks of the Charles River near their home. Like her mother and sister, Linda had great style and dressed elegantly. She attended the same all-girls prep school as her older sister, where she made many close friends, some of whom are still in contact with her family today. The family spent summers at their cabin in Spencer, Massachusetts, where Linda enjoyed many hours playing with her sister, swimming in the lake, and appreciating the outdoors.
Linda’s family and friends love her and have missed her greatly. We want to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated individuals at Moxxy Forensic Investigations, McLean County Coroner’s Office and the McLean County Sheriff’s Department, who went to great lengths to
identify and locate us. We also want to thank the people of Le Roy, Illinois, who helped and cared for Linda in her time of need. After 42 years of searching and wondering, we are relieved to finally have some answers.
“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the skilled professionals at Moxxy Forensic Investigations and their partners,” said Sheriff Matt Lane. “Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in helping us bring resolution to this case and, most importantly, closure to the family and everyone impacted. I also want to recognize the outstanding investigators from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office, past and present, who worked tirelessly to retrace
Linda’s steps and ultimately uncover her identity. Their commitment to resolving this investigation and compassion for the victim will not be forgotten.”
The McLean County Coroner's Office, McLean County Sheriff’s Office and Moxxy Forensic Investigations extend their deepest condolences to Linda Haddad’s loved ones and thank all who supported the efforts to raise funds to cover the costs to identify and restore her name.
Media Contact: Moxxy Forensic Investigations: Kaycee Connelly; kaycee@moxxyforensics.com
Agency Contact:McLean County Sheriff’s Office: Jeff Kretlow;
Jeff.Kretlow@mcleancountyil.gov
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-jane-doe-identified-linda-cecilia-haddad
https://www.forensicmag.com/3594-All-News/621744-Moxxy-Identifies-Remains-of-1982-Jane-Doe/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/genetic-genealogy-solves-43-old-004318166.html
Case Solve: Harris County, Texas, Jane Doe, Identified as Joann Zamora
Moxxy Forensic Investigations, in partnership with the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, is honored to announce the successful identification of Harris County Jane Doe (1992) as Joann Zamora, born August 27, 1963.
Joann’s remains were discovered on September 8, 1992, by a passerby in a wooded area of Harris County, Texas. At the time, she was described as a white/Caucasian female between the ages of 20–30, approximately 5'1" tall, with brown hair about 8 inches in length. She suffered from scoliosis in her lower spine and had artificial upper front teeth secured with a temporary dental bridge. Despite efforts by law enforcement and forensic professionals at the time, her identity remained a mystery for over 30 years.
In 2024, Moxxy Forensic Investigations initiated an Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) effort on the case, made possible through a fully funded public crowdfunding campaign. The genealogy work officially began on December 5, 2024, with generous financial sponsorship from Criminal Coffee Co. Moxxy extends heartfelt thanks to Criminal Coffee Co. for their vital support in helping bring Joann back to her family.
“This accomplishment underscores the power of genetic genealogy in modern investigations, opening new doors for solving even the most challenging cases,” said Derrick Levasseur, founder of Criminal Coffee Co. “This investigation is a powerful example of what can happen when passionate people and purpose-driven companies come together.”
A critical part of this success was the work of Intermountain Forensics, whose team successfully extracted DNA from the remains and generated a viable DNA profile that enabled genealogical research to proceed. Moxxy extends sincere gratitude to Intermountain Forensics for their expertise and contribution to this identification.
A team of eight volunteer genealogists from Moxxy worked on this case. Through their expertise and commitment, Joann Zamora was positively identified in 2025.
Joann Zamora, last seen in Houston, Texas, was more than a name—she was a loving mother, a vibrant and outgoing woman who lived life with joy and determination. Her family describes her as someone who wanted to live life to the fullest, and who left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
"Words cannot fully express what it means to finally have answers after more than 32 years,” said Spencer Zamora Graham, daughter of Joann. “While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we are deeply grateful to those who cared enough to seek the truth about a stranger who had no name and stood alone for so long."
Tragically, Joann was the victim of a homicide, and her death remains under investigation by the Houston Police Department. Moxxy and its partners remain committed to supporting the ongoing efforts to bring justice in her case. Criminal Coffee Co. has offered a $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest for the person or persons responsible for Joann’s death.
“Our entire team poured their hearts into this case,” said Katie Thomas, co-founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations. “Joann was never just a case number to us—she was someone’s mother, someone’s daughter, someone who mattered. Every person deserves to have their name returned, and we are honored to have helped bring Joann home.”
Moxxy Forensic Investigations extends its deepest condolences to Joann’s family and is grateful to have played a role in restoring her identity after so many years.
If you have information regarding the death of Joann Zamora, contact the Houston Police Department Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-8477.
https://www.forensicmag.com/3594-All-News/621319-Moxxy-IDs-1992-Jane-Doe-Case-is-Ongoing/
Case Solve: Pinellas County, Florida, John Doe, Identified as Edman Eric Gleed
After more than three decades, a man found deceased off the coast of Clearwater, Florida, in 1993 has been identified.
On November 29, 1993, the body of an unidentified man was discovered floating in the Gulf near the east side of the Clearwater Pass Bridge. He was declared deceased at the scene, and a subsequent investigation uncovered neatly folded clothing on the shoreline near a lifeguard tower at the south end of Clearwater Beach, believed to possibly belong to the deceased man. While an autopsy proved to be inconclusive in determining the manner and cause of death, foul play was not suspected in the man’s death.
With no identification made at the time, the man became known as “Pinellas County John Doe 1993.” Authorities determined that the body belonged to a white male between the ages of 60 to 80 years old, stood approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighed 118 pounds, and had blue eyes with short gray hair.
In a renewed effort to bring answers to the case, Moxxy Forensic Investigations, in collaboration with the Clearwater Police Department, utilized investigative genetic genealogy as a means to provide investigators with a lead about the man’s identity. Upon receiving a DNA profile of the unidentified man, it was uploaded to GEDmatch Pro, a DNA database that allows members of the public to share their DNA to be utilized in law enforcement cases.
“Almost immediately, we observed that all of the DNA matches were either living in or recent immigrants from England, which was quite unexpected for a person found in Pinellas County, Florida,” said Kaycee Connelly, the team lead for the case. “Our team of volunteer genealogists uncovered numerous ancestors from various parts of England, stretching back to the mid-1700s, to connect the DNA matches with one another. Because of recent immigration and the estimated age range of the man at the time of his death, we were looking for very distant connections.”
Several months of genealogical analysis by nine genealogists would determine various connections to the unidentified man, including a couple from the mid-18th century that was living in Bristol, England.
Eventually, the team was able to develop a candidate for the identity of the man. The next of kin, a son of the candidate, was contacted and a buccal swab was collected for comparative purposes. This swab was compared to the profile of the unidentified man, which determined that the relationship between the two was that of a parent-child relationship.
Pinellas County John Doe 1993 has been positively identified as Edman Eric Gleed, born July 29, 1909, making him 84 years old at the time of his death. Gleed was a second-generation immigrant, with both of his parents relocating from their ceremonial counties of Somerset and
Gloucestershire, England, to the United States. He was last seen on November 27, 1993, after leaving the home he shared with his son in Falls Church, Virginia. A missing persons report was filed by his son in Fairfax County, Virginia, shortly after his disappearance.
“This case has been close to the hearts of everyone on the team,” said Ed Adams, the team assistant for the case. “We are all honored to have played a part in returning Edman Gleed to his family.”
Moxxy Forensic Investigations extends our sincere gratitude to Intermountain Forensics for their invaluable assistance in this case. We are also deeply thankful to everyone who contributed by uploading to GEDmatch, the relatives who willingly offered their support, and Sergeant Michael Beavers along with the Clearwater Police Department for placing their trust in us to help identify Edman Eric Gleed.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/body-identified-31-years-being-215614029.html
Case Solve: Crow Hang Village, Pima County, Arizona, Jane Doe, Identified as María Méndez Morales
After nearly two decades, the unidentified remains of a teenager found in 2008 on the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona have been
positively identified as María Eluvia Méndez Morales, born January 19, 1992, in San Marcos, Guatemala. She was just 16 years old at the time of her death.
On June 22, 2008, the body of a Hispanic/Latin American female, estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old, was discovered on the side of the road in Crow Hang Village. The decedent was found with fraudulent Mexican identification papers under the name "Maria Mendez Morales". At the time, authorities were unable to confirm the name or identity, though the photograph on the ID was believed to be hers.
With no confirmed identity and limited leads, Jane Doe went unidentified. Moxxy Forensic Investigations, in collaboration with the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, launched a crowdfunding campaign, and a new hope emerged. Nearly 60 contributors from across the country came together to fully fund all costs associated with her case. “This is a case that represents the power of community,” said Kaycee Connelly, Investigative Genetic Genealogist and Co-Founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations. “Thanks to the generosity of strangers and the dedication of our partners, María finally has her name back and her family now has María back.
The identification was confirmed by her family, concluding that the young woman was indeed María Méndez Morales from San Marcos, Guatemala. Méndez Morales was last seen between April and June 2008 in San Marcos, Guatemala.
"Investigative genetic genealogy is transforming the way we identify unidentified human remains, offering a voice to those who died seeking a better life and a measure of closure to the families left behind”, said Katie Thomas, Investigative Genetic Genealogist and Co-Founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations.
Moxxy would like to especially thank Computer Evidence Specialists, LLC (CES) for their financial support that they provided to assist in this case, as well as Intermountain Forensics for providing
exceptional laboratory work.
Case Solve: Blount County, Alabama, "Chad Singleton", Identified as Patrick Spann
Blount County District Attorney's Office Press Release:
Unidentified remains discovered by hunters in Blount County almost 20 years ago have officially been identified as Patrick Grayson Spann from Mississippi.
According to Blount County District Attorney Pamela L. Casey, skeletonized human remains discovered in the woods by hunters in October 2005 off of U.S. Highway 31 near Garden City are the remains of Patrick Grayson Spann.
In 2005, authorities used information collected from the recovery site to locate friends and associates who knew the subject as Chad Patrick Singleton. However, law enforcement soon learned that this was an alias and not the real identity of the remains. The remains were examined by a forensic anthropologist in 2005, but despite efforts the identity was unknown.
In 2024, Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey reopened the case. The man known as Chad Singleton had two biological daughters while he was living in Blountsville. The District Attorney's Office submitted DNA evidence of one of those daughters for genetic genealogy testing to identify and locate possible relatives which could lead authorities to the true identity of the remains. A possible biological son was located.
Spann's identification was made possible by investigative genetic genealogical research performed by Moxxy Forensic Investigations which was hired by District Attorney Casey.
DNA testing positively identified the remains to be that of Spann by using the comparison of DNA profiles obtained from a tooth extracted from the remains and that of his potential biological son. The confirmation was made by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Spann assumed the alias after he escaped from the Hinds County detention facility in Raymond, Mississippi. Spann had been living on Overlook Road in Blountsville, AL, under the alias. According to witnesses, Spann left the home one day in October 2004 and never returned. The vehicle Spann was reportedly driving was eventually recovered behind a barn off Bangor Hollow Road.
Casey said "Patrick Grayson Spann's remains have been released to his family in Mississippi for proper burial. But, this does not conclude the investigation into his death. State and local law enforcement will continue to pursue and follow leads until all remaining questions surrounding his death have been resolved. I ask anyone who has information pertaining to the disappearance and death of Patrick Grayson Spann a/k/a Chad Patrick Singleton to contact the Blount County District Attorney's Office."
Additionally, according to Casey, over 100 unidentified remains are in the custody of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. Casey hopes that more genetic-investigative genealogy will be used for identification in order that every individual makes it back home to their loved ones even after their death. Casey thanked Moxxy Forensic Investigations and Blount County Coroner Lynn Sweatman for their assistance in this matter.
Case Solve: Mobile County, Alabama, Angel Baby Doe identified
On May 9th, 1995, the remains of a newborn female were located in Fowl River in Theodore, Alabama. The cause of death was drowning and the manner of death was homicide.
In 2022, Moxxy Forensic Investigations partnered with Mobile County Sheriff's Office to utilize investigative genetic genealogy to identify the infant. The infant was identified in December of 2022 as the daughter of a Theodore, Alabama resident. The identification was confirmed in November of 2024.
Moxxy Forensic Investigations would like to thank the Mobile County Sheriff's Office for trusting us with this case, along with Genalogue, Saber Investigations, DNA Labs International and Gedmatch for aiding us in the identification.
While justice for Angel Baby will not be served, we will continue to remember her and honor her short life.
Case Solve: Pima County, Arizona, "Dustin" Doe, Identified as James Ottoman "Jimmy" Yee
On July 18th, 1994, a White/Asian male was transported to Tucson Medical Center after being struck by a vehicle on the east side of Tucson, Arizona. The man succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and was left unidentified. In April of 2023, Moxxy Forensic Investigations teamed up with the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner to identify John Doe through the use of investigative genetic genealogy. A crowdfund was established and the funds were raised, mainly from contributions by Melissa Boes Rice. A sample of John Doe's blood was sent to GeneByGene and his raw DNA was uploaded to both FamilyTreeDNA and GEDMatch in September of 2023. Within twenty-four hours, a team of genealogists at Moxxy Forensics Investigations identified him as James Ottoman "Jimmy" Yee, who would have been twenty-nine years old at the time of his death. Jimmy's maternal side hailed from Norway and his paternal side hailed from China.
Jimmy Yee was born in Alameda County, California. He was one of three children and was a twin. Jimmy was known to be living in Tucson, Arizona, and was homeless at the time of his death. His family had been searching for his whereabouts for a long time. We would like to extend our gratitude to the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, the contributors for this case, Melissa Boes Rice, GeneByGene, FamilyTreeDNA, GEDMatch, and most of all--we would like to extend our gratitude and condolences to the family of Jimmy Yee.
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Tucson_John_Doe_(July_1994)
https://www.forensicmag.com/612615-Moxxy-Identifies-John-Doe-Struck-by-Car-in-1994/
Image Credit: R. Hoch
Case Solve: Dekalb County, Alabama, "Damon Hunter", Identified as Rainbow Canyon King
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and forensic experts, is pleased to announce the successful identification of a previously unidentified individual, commonly known as John Doe, whose skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area near the intersection of County Road 51 and Alabama Highway 227 in rural DeKalb County, Alabama, on December 21, 1991.
The skeletal remains, initially found by a hunter, sparked a decades-long investigation involving the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation, the Alabama Department of Forensic Science, and the Fort Payne Police Department. Despite exhaustive efforts, including forensic analysis and nationwide inquiries, the identity of the deceased remained a mystery.
However, in late 2022, a breakthrough emerged when the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office was contacted by Mobile County Sheriff's Office genealogy analyst Olivia McCarter, proposing the use of investigative genetic genealogy to potentially identify John Doe. This innovative approach led to a collaborative effort between law enforcement and forensic experts, ultimately resulting in the identification of the individual.
In 2023, DNA samples extracted from the remains were sent to Intermountain Forensics, a non-profit laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah, for analysis and whole-genome sequencing. Subsequently, the DNA data was uploaded to GEDMatch by Olivia McCarter and her team at Moxxy Forensic Investigations. This action yielded a close familial match, leading to the tentative identification of John Doe as Rainbow King of Tompkinsville, Kentucky.
Further investigation and coordination with living relatives of Rainbow King confirmed the identity. Chief Investigator Priscilla Padgett and Investigations Assistant Andrea Woodall traveled to Tompkinsville, Kentucky, accompanied by Monroe County Sheriff Dale Ford, to meet with the King family. A DNA sample collected during the meeting conclusively confirmed that the skeletal remains belonged to 22-year-old Rainbow Canyon King.
Sheriff Nick Welden says "This identification is the result of tireless efforts and collaboration between multiple agencies and experts, it underscores the importance of innovative forensic techniques in resolving cold cases and providing closure to families. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest gratitude to all individuals and agencies involved in this significant breakthrough. The identification of Rainbow Canyon King brings closure to a decades-old mystery and allows his family to finally lay him to rest. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family during this time.”
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/DeKalb_County_John_Doe_(1991)
https://www.wbrc.com/2024/02/23/remains-found-dekalb-county-1991-identified-kentucky-man/
Case Solve: Preble County, Ohio, "Penny" Doe, Identified as Albert Allen Frost
On May 25th, 1968; the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were located in Eaton, Preble County, Ohio. Children found the decomposed body in a wooded area with the skull being 75 feet downstream.
The initial coroner’s assessment stated the remains likely belonged to a Caucasian female, about 30 to 50 years old, and was believed to have died sometime between 1962 and 1968. Despite subsequent investigations, Preble County authorities were unable to identify the remains at that time, and they were subsequently buried in Mound Hill Cemetery.
Several decades later and per the request of Detective Adam Turner and the Shelby Police Department, the remains were exhumed on August 28th, 2019. Initial attempts to extract a working DNA profile were unsuccessful. Moxxy Forensic Investigations then received this case on August 24th, 2022, where a sufficient DNA profile was obtained thanks to non-profit laboratory Intermountain Forensics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
During the laboratory analysis, it was determined that this individual was incorrectly categorized as a biological female during the original anthropological report. This individual was a biological male, as determined by the Y-DNA that was discovered belonging to the remains.
The DNA kit was uploaded to Gedmatch to undergo genealogical research on March 29th, 2023, and relayed information to Detective Turner that same day that the likely candidate was Albert Allen Frost.
Albert was a military veteran of the United States Army that proudly served his country. He was known to wear his military-issued Army jacket everywhere. His last known contact was between 1963 and 1964 in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio.
Moxxy Forensic Investigations wants to thank Intermountain Forensics, Criminal Coffee Co., the families of Albert Allen Frost and Mary Jane VanGilder, the Eaton Police Department, Preble County Coroner’s Office, and the Shelby Police Department for their collaborative efforts on this case.
https://www.registerherald.com/2019/09/04/jane-doe-exhumed-at-mound-hill-cemetery-2/
https://dayton247now.com/news/local/body-found-nearly-60-years-ago-identifiedhttps://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/11/17/shelby-police-detective-continues-search-for-missing-woman/71532217007/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/hamilton-man-identified-person-found-021100072.html
Image Credit: The Frost Family
Image Credit: The Register Herald (2019)
Case Solve: Mobile County, Alabama, Jane Doe Identified as Ada Elizabeth Fritz
On May 18th, 1976, the remains of an elderly female were found in Session’s Creek in Grand Bay, Alabama. She had a gunshot wound to the back of her head and her hands had been mutilated. The Jane Doe’s case quickly went cold and she was left unidentified.
In 1979, the remains were cremated and buried by the Anatomical Donations Program at the University of South Alabama. In December of 2022, Olivia McCarter of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and Moxxy Forensic Investigations sent an old ceramic dental mold to Intermountain Forensics. Using the MVAC machine, Intermountain Forensics was able to retrieve the only DNA sample for Jane Doe in existence. The sample, somehow un-contaminated, underwent whole-genome sequencing at Intermountain Forensics in early 2023.
In April of 2023, the Moxxy Forensics Investigation team was able to identify Jane Doe as 61-year old Ada Elizabeth Fritz within nineteen days of research.
Ada was born in 1914 in Sheridan, Wyoming. Ada was not known to have been reported as missing and was last known to reside in Batesville, Arkansas. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office was able to confirm the identity of Ada Fritz, after contacting her nephew, as she had no children.
Moxxy Forensics Investigations would like to thank Intermountain Forensics for retrieving a DNA sample on this incredibly difficult case, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, MVAC Systems, GEDMatch, and the Orange County, CA Sheriff’s Department. This identification would not have been possible without the teamwork between Mobile County and Intermountain Forensics thinking outside of the box on how to identify remains of a cremated body. We believe this case is one of the first, if not the first, identification of its kind.
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Mobile_County_Jane_Doe_(1976)
https://www.wlbt.com/2022/01/25/jane-doe-found-alabama-believed-be-south-mississippi/
Image Credit: Carl Koppelman (2021)
Case Solve: Pima County, Arizona, Jane Doe Identified as María del Soccoro Valdez Morones
On May 19th, 1999, the body of a young adult Hispanic female was located behind a dumpster in Tucson, Arizona. This woman was believed to be an undocumented migrant whose body had been dumped, but no further foul play was suspected and she remained unidentified as her fingerprints produced no matches in any governmental databases. In 2010, her DNA profile was entered into CODIS but no associations were ever made. The fingerprint and DNA information, as well as a photograph of her taken at an autopsy were entered into NamUs in 2015 with no potential matches to a missing person ever suggested.
In 2023, Moxxy Forensic Investigations and the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner began discussing using investigative genetic genealogy to identify the woman. Before the DNA work would begin, Moxxy Forensic Investigations located a Facebook post from a relative of María del Socorro Valdez Morones, who stated she had gone missing south of Tucson in March of 1999 after attempting to cross the United States border in Arizona. The posted photographs of the missing woman were very similar to that of the Jane Doe.
The information was passed to the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, who, with the assistance from the Colibri Center for Human Rights, was able to get in contact with the family and confirm the identify of the Jane Doe as 26-year old María del Socorro Valdez Morones of Sonora, Mexico.
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Maria_Valdez-Morones
Case Solve: Cochise County, Arizona, John Doe Identified as Joseph William Myers
On March 11th, 1992, the remains of an adult male were found after being struck by a train in Willcox, Cochise County, Arizona. In 2017, the unidentified male had a fingerprint match to an arrest record under the name Joseph William Myers. This match and a facial photograph were publicized in NamUs but could not be verified and family could not be located.
In July of 2023, Moxxy Forensic Investigations provided the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner with an investigative lead and next-of-kin information which allowed investigators to positively identify the man as 35-year old Joseph William Myers Sr., last known to live in the state of Texas.
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Joseph_Myers_Sr.?so=search
Case Solve: "Bill Hull" John Doe Identified as Albert "Pinky" Edwin Roadhs
Moxxy Forensic Investigations announces the Identification of a 2012 John Doe found in Salem, Indiana.
On May 24th, 2012; the body of “Bill Lee Hull” was found in his Salem, Indiana residence some hours after he died of natural causes. He had been living with his associate Bessie Fields and her family, whom he had met in 1987 in Tuscon, Arizona. Fields died in 2009. Subsequent investigations of “Bill’s” background revealed that he was using an alias and someone else’s social security number. “Bill’s” obituary published in the Salem Leader stated that he was born on March 15th, 1932; in Fort Collins, Colorado to “Robert and Edna Hull”. Despite this information, “Bill’s” identity could not be corroborated by authorities in Indiana, and thus remained a John Doe. At the time of his death, “Bill” stood approximately 5’3”, was estimated to be 75 to 85 years of age, had a tattoo on his left forearm in blue ink that read “PINKY,” and his fingerprints had been removed by unknown means, likely done by himself. “Bill” was subsequently buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Salem, Indiana.
In early 2023, the remains were exhumed in hopes that genealogical testing conducted by Moxxy Forensic Investigations would uncover the man’s identity. Using the man’s femur, DNA was extracted and then computed into a DNA kit that was uploaded onto GEDMatch, a public DNA database. Once the DNA kit finished uploading, it took less than 30 minutes for the team of genealogists to identify a potential candidate.
Albert Edwin Roadhs, who went by the nickname “Pinky,” was born on March 15th, 1932 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Archived arrest and newspaper records showed that Roadhs had a criminal record beginning in childhood consisting of petty crime and felonies, before becoming involved with a gang known as the “Shotgun Bandits.” The Shotgun Bandits committed a series of stick-ups from October to November of 1955 in Denver, Colorado before being apprehended. At his trial, court investigators stated that Roadhs “will never adjust into a normal individual.” Roadhs was sentenced to 10 to 15 years for his crimes, and shortly after his release, was caught breaking into a warehouse with two other individuals in Longview, Washington on June 4th, 1966. He was sentenced again to 10 to 15 years in September 1967. However, Roadhs' whereabouts between September 1967 and 1987 remains unknown.
Moxxy Forensic Investigations would like to thank the team at Lakehead University for the DNA extraction, Dr. Weining Tang of Genologue for the sequencing, and Kevin Lord of Saber Investigations for bioinformatics. Furthermore, we would like to thank Coroner Peggy Schell of Washington County, the team of individuals present for the exhumation, Weathers Funeral Home, and both Roadhs’ biological and foster families for their cooperation and efforts to help identify him. Our thoughts are with both families at this time.
Anyone with information related to Roadhs’ case is advised to contact Kaycee Connelly at kaycee@moxxyforensics.com.
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Pinky_Roadhs
Image Credit: Michaelson, M. & Kasher, S. (Eds). (2006) Least Wanted: A Century of American Mugshots
Case Solve: Wayne T. McBrayer
On November 7th, 2018; human remains of an adult male were found near a known homeless camp in Tucson, Arizona.
In April of 2023, Moxxy Forensic Investigations submitted a lead to the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office for a possible next of kin.
The identity of Wayne T. McBrayer has been confirmed by family members.
We were happy to assist the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office.
You can access the Pima County press release at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/100064703767352/posts/656200716546715/?mibextid=cr9u03
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Wayne_McBrayer
Case Solve: Morgan County, Alabama, Jane Doe Identified as Wanda Ashford Floyd
Moxxy Forensic Investigations would like to announce their involvement in the identification of the Morgan County Jane Doe (2020) as 60-year-old Wanda Floyd (née Ashford).
Wanda went missing on July 15th, 2020; and her remains were located on July 31st, 2020; in Decatur, Alabama. They remained unidentified until Olivia McCarter of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Decatur Police Department to utilize investigative genetic genealogy to identify the remains.
Thanks to philanthropist Carla Davis’ funding of the costs for the lab work, and the collaborative efforts of the Alabama Department of Forensic Services, Hudson Alpha Discovery, and Saber Investigations, a usable DNA kit for the Jane Doe was generated and uploaded to GEDMatch. Five genealogists from Moxxy Forensic Investigations worked the Jane Doe’s case and were able to tentatively identify the woman as Wanda Floyd (née Ashford).
We would like to thank the aforementioned parties for their assistance, time, and resources; in addition to Sgt. Sean Mukaddam of the Decatur Police Department and Detectives Lee Smith and Brandon Hood of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office for their time spent investigating Wanda’s case.
Our thoughts are with the Ashford family and Wanda’s loved ones during this time, and we would like to extend our gratitude towards the community of Courtland, who actively pursued tips and information relating to Wanda’s whereabouts after her disappearance.
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Wanda_Floyd
https://news.yahoo.com/investigation-stretching-mobile-identifies-body-001300858.html
https://www.forensicmag.com/593104-Similarities-DNA-Identify-Jane-Doe-as-Missing-Woman/
https://amp.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article270233752.html
https://www.al.com/news/2022/12/body-found-in-2020-is-missing-alabama-woman-sheriff-says.html
