DNA: ID

Episode 144 Angelica Ramirez *WARNING* This episode discusses the murder of a child.  Listener discretion is advised. In 1994, ten year old Angelica Ramirez was snatched from a swap meet in Visalia, CA. Clues at the scene confirmed the worst fears of her mother, and the investigators. Angelica's body was found two days later, more than 40 miles away. A sexual assault kit yielded male DNA, which would be used to eliminate not one, but two false confessors in her case.  Angelica's murder was just one of a series of child murders in the central valley in just a few years, and one of the few that remained unsolved.  When IGG provided a name for her slayer, police had never heard of him – and what they learned about him was both disturbing and frustrating.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 143 Doe ID: 'Mentone John Doe' Derrick Burton  In October, 1991, a hunter in the area of Mentone, CA discovered a human skull. The skull was devoid of teeth and a mandible. Based on the size of the skull, it was estimated to be a child's. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's department searched the area for more remains but they didn't find any. However, they found a bag containing a child's clothing, and took it into evidence. An autopsy confirmed initial beliefs that the remains were that of a child; a young boy between 4 & 8 years old. A cause of death could not be determined. The authorities considered local missing persons cases, but didn't link the remains to any of those missing children, and the dead boy was referred to as 'Mentone John Doe'. It wasn't until decades later that the authorities turned to IGG to determine the identity of  Mentone John Doe. He turned out to be, Derrick Burton. Incredibly, Derrick had been reported missing to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's dept when he was four years old  by his mother Patricia Clark in 1991. How the agency failed to make the connection between Mentone John Doe, and Derrick Burton early on is a mystery. Derrick had gone missing while in the care of his stepfather; Christopher Hammond. Hammond did time for charges related to Derrick's abduction, but not his death.  Sadly, it doesn't seem as if there is much movement in the case since Derrick was identified, or how much his death is being investigated. 'Mentone John Doe' now has his name back; it's Derrick Burton, and this is his story.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 142 Laura Kempton Part 2 of 2 This is the conclusion of the Laura Kempton case. If you have not listened to part 1 yet, please stop now, and go back and listen to that part before listening to this one.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 142 Laura Kempton Part 1 of 2 Vivacious, fun-loving, and popular twenty-three year old Laura Kempton was a fixture in the downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire social scene in 1981. On the night of Sunday, September 27 th , she was seen out late at a local club with a girlfriend. And then she went home, alone. Sometime in the wee hours, someone broke a panel out of her front door, entered her apartment, and raped and killed Laura. Her vicious slaying shocked the small city, and police had their hands full with a complex investigation trying to ferret out the killer among all the people Laura knew. And then, a year later, it happened again. Tammy Little's murder bore undeniable similarities to Laura's, and both remained unsolved for decades. Now, we have a resolution in Laura's case, thanks to IGG. Whether Tammy was indeed killed by the same person remains to be seen.   To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 141 Doe ID: Evelyn 'Dottie' Lees    On June 28,1988, the remains of a woman were found in a remote area of Pinal County, AZ along state Route 79 South of US 60. The body was found in a shallow grave, and appeared to have been placed there with care leading police to believe that someone close to her may have placed here there. She was determined to be an elderly woman and it appeared that she had been strangled to death. She has been there for about a year. Police were stumped as they didn't have any missing women that matched her description in the area. The case of this Jane Doe went cold until years later when genealogy finally provided answers. She was Evelyn "Dottie" Lees, a grandmother who was in her late 80's when she died. Investigators learned that Evelyn had never been reported missing, and for years following her death, benefit checks to her were being cashed. A background check revealed that Evelyn, who had spent her life in Utah, had moved to Arizona at the insistence of family. Since this family member, who Evelyn lived with at the time of her death was never reported missing, it has caused investigators to view them with suspicion. The only problem is, those family members that may have had answers, all died before Evelyn was identified. If they had any answers, they took them to the grave. This Jane Doe has her name back; it's Evelyn 'Dottie' Lees, and this is her story.  

Episode 140 Gayla McNeil In October 1983, a young homicide detective caught his first case when a woman turned up floating in a canal in Palm Beach County, Florida.  The Jane Doe was a homicide victim, with brutal injuries and evidence of rape.  A complex investigation failed to identify her – but then her fingerprints did.  She was Gayla Ann McNeil, a former US Airforce service member. Detective Bill Springer began a 40 year quest to solve Gayla's murder – which involved figuring out where she had last been seen and by whom.  It turned out, her last known contact was with law enforcement – and a clerical error may have cost her her life.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch  

Introducing Morbidology, a preview of episode 294: The Mandan Massacre.   It was just before 7:30AM on 1 April, 2019, when employees started to arrive at RJR Maintenance and Management in Mandan, North Dakota. When they entered the building, however, it quickly became apparent that something was amiss. A body was found, followed by another, then another, then another…. Make sure to subscribe to Morbidology across all podcast platforms and YouTube.

Episode 139 Doe: ID 'Wayne County Jane Doe' Connie Christensen  In December, 1982, deer hunters in Wayne County, Indiana, found skeletal remains in the woods along Martindale Creek. When the remains were first found, authorities were unable to tell much about the skeletonized remains other than that they belonged to an adult female. There was no ID found with the remains, but police theorized that they had a homicide on their hands. Later they would be proven right when it was discovered that the victim had died from a gunshot. Police were stumped as they had no missing females in their area that matched the clues that they had for this victim, and the investigation slowed. The unknown homicide victim became known as 'Wayne County Jane Doe'. Years later, DNA & genealogy would be used to finally identify this victim. Her name was Connie L. Christensen, and she had last been seen by her family in March, 1982, when she dropped her young daughter off with family saying that she was leaving the area. Connie was believed to have been pregnant when she was last seen by her family. Subsequent investigation revealed that Connie spent time in Nashville, TN, in April, 1982. After that, she vanished. An older man that had a relationship with Connie is a suspect in her murder. Unfortunately, this suspect has passed away, and perhaps took anything he knew about Connie's death to his grave. Although Wayne County Jane Doe's killer has never been brought to justice, she at least has her name back; it's Connie Christensen, and this is her story.   

Introducing: Women and Crime  Women and Crime Podcast is True Crime told by real Criminologists. Amy Shlosberg and co-host Meghan Sacks are both criminologists who have spent their entire careers studying and teaching about crime. In each episode of Women and Crime, you'll hear about cases involving women as both victims, and offenders. In this preview, you'll hear about the case of Ana Abulaban, in which A perfect Tiktok marriage, hid a violent reality that would quickly turn lethal. To listen to the full Ana Abulaban episode, head over to the Women and Crime website. You'll find over 200 episodes of Women and Crime available to binge on right now, and it's available everywhere you listen to podcasts. 

Episode 138 Yvonne Leroux    Detectives in the York Regional Police, located in Ontario, Canada, had a perplexing scene on their hands in late November 1972. A teenage girl was found dead in the middle of a quiet roadway, bludgeoned to death. It appeared she may have been raped as well.  The victim, 16 year old Yvonne Leroux, was well known to police because of her recent history as the victim in a drug-pushing biker gang's threats to her safety. But all investigative avenues in pursuit of this information led nowhere. Detectives over the years revived the case, but got nowhere until they obtained a male DNA profile from Yvonne's autopsy samples in 2001. Finally, in 2021, the investigation turned to IGG, the oldest cold case taken up by Canada's only in-house law enforcement genealogy team.  They quickly named the man who had killed Yvonne. Her family was relieved to know who had taken Yvonne from them, although many questions remain unanswered. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 137 Doe ID: Nora Castillo  In June, 1988, a farmer in Baca County, Colorado found skeletonized human remains on his property. Investigators found nothing in the way of identification, and only a 1986 quarter in a pocket. All investigators knew was that they had found the remains of a young woman, who was likely Hispanic, and although a cause of death could not be determined, severe injuries to her legs, and the overall circumstances led police to think that she was the victim of a homicide. Police had no missing persons cases on women in the area that matched their victim, and her case went cold almost immediately. They kept the Jane Doe's remains for years before finally laying her to rest. Over the years, investigators searched databases for DNA links, and frustratingly, a link was missed by the system that could have given Jane Doe her name back sooner. Eventually, genealogy did provide police with their victim's name. It was Nora Castillo, a young mother from McAllen, Texas, who had gone missing in 1986 or 1987 following a string of struggles in her life. Now that police know who their victim is, they still want to find out how she came to be in the farmer's field in 1988, and who put here there. This Jane Doe finally has her name back; it's Nora Castillo, and this is her story.  If you have any information about Castillo or this case, please contact the Baca County Sheriff's Office at 719-523-4511 or the McAllen Texas Police Department at 956-681-2221.   To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 136 Teree Becker and Cherrie Bridgewater Part 3 of 3  This is part 3 of the Becker/Bridgewater case. If you have not listened to parts 1 and 2 yet, please stop now and go back and listen to those two parts first.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 136 Teree Becker and Cherrie Bridgewater Part 2 of 3 This is part 2 of the Becker/Bridgewater case. If you have not listened to part 1 yet, please stop now, and go back and listen to part 1 first.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 136 Teree Becker and Cherrie Bridgewater Part 1 of 3 In 1975, 19 year old free spirit Teree Becker was found in a Westminster, CO field, after hitchhiking toward home two days earlier.  Police did everything they could to solve her case, but could not identify the culprit. Then, in 1991, it happened again – this time in Las Vegas, NV.  The victim this time was Cherrie Bridgewater.  The cases bore some similarities, but as they were 16 years and states apart, they were not connected until DNA linked both murders to the same man.  And that man would not be named for another decade, when a complex genealogy analysis finally named the despicable rapist and murderer who had snuffed out the lives of these two young women.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Introducing: Killer Communications AbJack Entertainment, the same network that brings you new episodes of DNA: ID every week, has a brand new show launching March 1,2025. It's called Killer Communications, and it's hosted by Mike Morford. In each episode of Killer Communications, Mike discusses a true crime case where one of the clues is a mysterious form of contact; whether it's a frightening phone call to a victim, a mysterious email to the press, or a taunting letter sent to the press, these bizarre communications happen more often than you might think, and sometimes have deadly consequences. In this short preview of Killer Communications, Season 1 Episode 1, you'll hear about the case of Dale Williams, a father and husband, who was lured from the Nucla, Colorado body shop he owned by a mysterious caller in 1999. He was never seen again. His abandoned truck was found submerged in a local waterway, but there was never any sign of Dale himself. Despite an ex-friend of Dale's being a longtime suspect in the case, police were never able to make an arrest. But that all changed in 2024 when an arrest and answers finally came. After you listen to this preview of Killer Communications, head over to your favorite podcast app, and be sure to subscribe to Killer Communications, so you can hear the full episode on Dale Williams, and catch every new episode of Killer Communications.  Visit the Killer Communications homepage for news about the show, and past episodes. You can also follow Killer Communications on social media, via X or Facebook.

Episode 135 Doe ID: Maria Telles-Gonzalez   On May 24, 1995, the partially nude body of an unidentified woman was found by a highway worker in a drainage ditch on Cottonhall Road in Yemassee, South Carolina. Authorities believed that the woman, who was Hispanic, had been strangled to death. Police didn't have much to go on, but they scoured missing persons cases across SC and nearby states looking for a victim who might fit the description of their Jane Doe, but they could not find one. They theorized that she had been driven quite some distance before her remains were discarded. With no leads to go on her case went cold. In 2020, officials turned to the victim's DNA for help, and began the process of identifying her through genealogy. They hit pay dirt in 2022. The Yemassee Jane Doe was actually Maria Telles-Gonzalez, a 36 yr old woman who vanished from Kissimmee, Florida in May, 1995 after returning from a trip to Puerto Rico. She was last seen by her husband and children in the weeks before her body was found, but she wasn't reported missing. Due to the fact she wasn't reported missing, and a lack of complete cooperation from her husband, police consider him a person of interest. Police also want to ID a male associate of Maria's who may have been in a relationship with her. They don't know much about him other than he was Hispanic, and his name was Carlos. He stands about 5-foot-8 or 5-foot-10, speaks Spanish and English very well. He may be living in the Orlando or Kissimmee area, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Now police are working to find out who murdered Maria and dumped her body. Anyone with information about Maria Telles-Gonzalez's disappearance and murder is urged to contact cold case investigator Bob Bromage at 843-816-8013 or by email at robertb@bcgov.net Maria Telles-Gonzalez now has her name back, and this is her story.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 134 Cathy Sue Swartz Part 2 of 2 This is the conlusion; part 2 of the Cathy Sue Swartz case. If you did not listen to part 1 yet, please stop now, and go back and listen to that part first.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 134 Cathy Sue Swartz Part 1 of 2   The brutal, bloody murder of single mom Cathy Sue Swartz in her own home rocked the community of Three Rivers, Michigan. Cathy had been chased down and slain by her killer as her baby lay in her crib in the next room. Investigators had ample evidence to help them identify Cathy's killer: a fingerprint, a footprint, and a possible eyewitness. Over 1000 people provided finger and footprints to police in this case…and yet the killer eluded them.  It took the powers of forensic genealogy to identify him, and when they did, police were astonished to learn who he was.  But they did not get all the answers they sought – Cathy's killer had the last laugh.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 133 Doe ID: Pam Wittman   In November, 1980, a road crew doing work along I-95 in Volusia County, Florida, discovered human remains. A medical examiner concluded that the victim was a young woman, but she carried no ID. The strongest clue was a shirt she was wearing with the caption 'Do it in the dirt' on the shirt. Because local police had no missing persons cases that might be a match for the remains, her case went cold, and she was known locally as 'Jane Doe 1980' Police had little to go on but they caught a break when a serial killer named Gerald Stano was caught, and began to share details of his victims. Stano was thought to have dozens of victims in Florida, and other states. He gave details that left little doubt in the mind of investigators that he had killed this Volusia County Jane Doe. Even knowing who had murdered her, they didn't know who she was. Eventually DNA & genealogy came together once again to give this Jane Doe her name back. She was Pam Wittman. Pam from Martinsville, Indiana, had lost touch with her family after moving to Florida and taking a job as an exotic dancer, and sex worker.  For years, her family wondered what happened to her. Now they know she died at the hands of a brutal serial killer who is sure to have many more victims. Stano was put to death in Florida's electric chair. After four decades, this Jane Doe has her name back; it's Pam Wittman, and this is her story.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 132 Lillian Decloe   There's a certain level of outrage that arises from the senseless murder of a senior citizen – 89 year old Lillian Decloe had paid her dues in life and deserved a peaceful retirement in her own home.  But in April 1994, someone broke into that home and ended her life in a violent and brutal fashion.  Dignified and gracious Lillian was raped, robbed and strangled by persons unknown.  Pompano Beach police worked her case, but soon it went the way of so many others, and sat in a box on a shelf.  But in that box was Lillian's sexual assault kit – and the key to finding her killer.  This is not a genealogy case, but a familial DNA searching case. Through this underutilized and often misunderstood method, Lillian's killer was identified by his own son.   This episode is sponsored by Better Help; convenient and affordable therapy. Listeners of DNA ID can get 10% off of their first month.   To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 131 Doe ID: Chester Breiney In October, 1959, partial skeletal remains of what was believed to be a little girl was found in a culvert in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Surveying the area, investigators found more bones; some of which showed evidence of being fractured, and then healing. The early thought was that this little girl had been abused, and perhaps was killed during one of these attacks, and her body disposed of in a panic. Sure enough, it was determined that the child had been the likely victim of a homicide, but it was also determined that their little girl was actually a little boy. Soon, the boy was linked to the case of a missing boy; Markku Jutila. He has mysteriously vanished without explanation from the home of his parents, William and Hilja Jutila. Michigan police were trying to determine if the little boy in the culvert was actually Markku. Eventually, the Jutilas confessed to police; they had murdered Markku during an abusive attack. Afterwards, they disposed of his body. The mystery wasn't fully solved, because it turns out that Markku had been adopted by the Jutilas, and his birth name was actually, Chester Breiney. Chester finally has his name back, and this is his story.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 130 Joyce Casper Part 2 of 2   This is the conclusion of the Joyce Casper case. If you have not listened to part 1 yet, please stop now, and go back and listen to that part first.  This episode is spnsored by Better Help; convenient and affordable therapy. Listeners of DNA: ID can save 10% on their first month of Better Help by visiting our special show link, betterhelp.com/dnaid To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch  

Episode 130 Joyce Casper Part 1 of 2   When respected and esteemed 65 year old businesswoman and mother of three Joyce Casper was found raped and murdered in her car in Boise, Idaho in 1987, the community was shocked to its core.  No one could imagine who could have wished harm to Joyce - but police suspected she had reported her own killer.  Joyce had been the subject of an attempted attack less than three weeks earlier. Was someone targeting the beloved gift shop owner? Despite having a description of the possible suspect, police could not find him, and Joyce's case stalled.  But Joyce was one of those victims that investigators never forgot, and Boise police kept working to find her slayer.  A phenotype in 2017 told them what he looked like…but it took an incredibly complex genealogy investigation combined with detective work finally to flush out the name of her killer.  And it turned out, Joyce had described him perfectly. This episode is spnsored by Better Help; convenient and affordable therapy. Listeners of DNA: ID can save 10% on their first month of Better Help by visiting our special show link, betterhelp.com/dnaid To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch      

Released in 2016, “The Trail Went Cold” is a weekly true crime podcast which explores unsolved mysteries and cold cases. On each episode, host Robin Warder examines a new murder or missing persons case, tackling a wide variety of mysteries from different countries and time periods. After sharing all the details about each case, Robin offers his own personal analysis and theories about what happened. At the time of this recording, “The Trail Went Cold” has released over 400 episodes and is approaching its nine-year anniversary as a podcast and some of the cold cases it has covered over the years have even wound up being solved. One of the cases Robin covered extensively was the case known as 'The Boys on the Tracks".   August 23, 1987. Saline County Arkansas. 16-year old Don Henry and 17-year old Kevin Ives head into the woods to do some late-night hunting, but never return. Hours later, the two boys are seen lying on some railroad tracks before they are run over by a cargo train and the medical examiner concludes they had fallen asleep after smoking marijuana and their deaths were accidental. However, Don and Kevin's families push for a new investigation, which uncovers evidence that they were violently attacked before their bodies were placed on the tracks. Throughout the years, a number of conspiracy theories emerge to suggest the boys were murdered as part of a cover-up involving drug trafficking, but no one is ever charged with the crime. “The Trail Went Cold” released a two-part episode about this convoluted story for their five-year anniversary show. This is a preview of The Trail Went Cold's coverage of the case and you can find the rest of the story by subscribing to The Trail Went Cold wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting their website 

Silkwood is a multi-part podcast that intricately examines the life of whistleblower Karen Silkwood, the nuclear behemoth she sought to expose, the government's role in potential wrong-doings, and asks the question: What actually happened on that cold and windy November night 50 years ago? Did Karen fall asleep at the wheel and die as the result of a true single-car crash? Did she die for what she knew and what she was on her way to expose? Was it an accident…or something far more sinister? Find Silkwood wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information, including sources, please visit GoneCold.com/Silkwood

Episode 129 2024: The Year in Review In this episode, Jess recaps all of the cases she presented in 2024 searching for commonalities and differences in the cases, the victims, and the offenders. Of course, Jess also recaps the Jane and John Doe cases, and she provides listeners with some case updates. DNA: ID will return in January, 2025, so keep an eye out on your feeds for new episode. Happy Holidays! This episode is sponsored by Masterclass where you can learn from the best and be your best. DNA: ID listeners can take advantage of a special offer by visiting our special weblink. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch  

Episode 128 Terri McAdams Part 2 of 2 This is part 2 of the Terri McAdams case, if you have not listened to part 1 yet, please stop now, and go back and listen to that part first. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 128 Terri McAdams Part 1 of 2   Terri McAdams seemed to have a promising future ahead of her: a college degree, an upcoming wedding, and the love and support of friends, family, and fiancé.  But Terri was conflicted about her personal life, and was also deeply afraid. Someone was murdering young women in the Fort Worth, Texas area – women who were a lot like Terri.  On Valentine's Day eve in 1985, Terri was next.  Her shockingly brutal murder and the theft of her engagement ring catapulted the Arlington PD into a massive, widespread and ultimately fruitless murder investigation.  Time and again, Terri's case was reexamined, and put aside, until at long last, forensic genealogy linked her case to a murder/suicide that had occurred just months after Terri's death.    This episode is sponsored by Manscaped; the ultimate grooming experience. DNA: ID Listeners can head  over to Manscaped now and save 20%  plus free shipping on their order using promo code: DNAID at checkout. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 127 Doe: ID 'Mowry Avenue Jane Doe'  On October 24, 1985, the body of a woman was found by hunters near Mowry Avenue in Newark, California. Although the remains were mostly skeletonized, it was clear that she was a homicide victim, and had been shot to death. It was estimated she had been dead for about six months. The dead woman had no ID, and the only items found with her included some barrettes, a watch, a ring on her finger, and some earrings. It was determined that the Jane Doe was a White woman likely 30-36 years old with Reddish Brown hair. Her height was estimated to be between 5ft6 and 5ft8. Without much to go on, "Mowry Avenue Jane Doe" or "Wetlands Jane Doe"  was laid to rest, but her case wasn't forgotten. Years later, DNA & genealogy would provide answers, but also more questions.  Her birth mother was identified as Marian Marie Richardson of Missouri. A half sister of Jane Doe's was also identified living in Texas. She has been adopted out as a baby by Marian. Marian told her family that she put one child up for adoption, but she never mentioned a second child that she gave up, and there is no record of her putting up another baby for adoption. So we know who Mowry Ave Jane Doe's Mother & half sister are, but we still do not know who she is, and we don't know who murdered her. If she can finally be identified, then maybe her killer can be as well.  Investigators are still working Mowry Ave Jane Doe's case. If you have any information, please contact Newark Police Department Detective Andrew Musantry by phone at 510-578-4956 or email at Andrew.Musantry@newark.org Namus file To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 126 The Calgary Murders Part 2 of 2 This is part 2 of The Calgary Murders, if you have not listened to part 1 yet, please stop and go back and listen to that part first. This episode is sponsored by Masterclass where you can learn from the best and be your best. DNA: ID listeners can take advantage of a special offer by visiting our special weblink.   To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

  Episode 126 The Calgary Murders Part 1 of 2 At long last, Canadian listeners who have been requesting a case get their wish!  There was a horrific series of murders of girls and young women in the Calgary area in the 1970s and early 1980s.   In particular, teenagers Patsy McQueen and Eva Dvorak, and young women Barbara MacLean and Melissa Rehorek stood out.  There was no overt evidence of rape.  Some of the deaths weren't even certain to be homicides.  No one was sure which cases, if any, were linked.  All the cases fell in RCMP jurisdiction, and thousands of hours were spent investigating them.  Task forces were formed and folded, wagons were circled… it was all for naught. Until a genealogy team and some dedicated CPS detectives partnered up … and what they uncovered was shocking.  In this case, Jess gets unprecedented cooperation from the RCMP about the cold case investigations and the yearlong inquiry into the unmasked killer. This episode is sponsored by Manscaped; the ultimate grooming experience. DNA: ID Listeners can head  over to Manscaped now and save 20%  plus free shipping on their order using promo code: DNAID at checkout. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 125 Doe ID: Peggy Joyce Shelton On July 19, 1972, the body of an unidentified woman was found by a young boy in Hernando County, Florida off of State Road 50 and High Corner Road in Brooksville. She had been dead for a few months. It was immediately clear to investigators that she was a murder victim who had been strangled to death. The victim was described as between 30 and 40 years old, approximately 5 feet tall, weighing between 125 and 145 pounds, with short brown hair, and they noted she had only six upper and six lower teeth. Police were searching for a mysterious White 1961-1962 Ford Fairlane that they may be connected to the murder. Police didn't have much else to go one other than the bedspread her body had been concealed in. It was described as  a “Pineapple Damask” print, and it had three square corners and a rounded corner. The case went cold and the Jane Doe was buried in a Pauper's grave. Decades later, police felt that they could ID their 1972 Jane Doe using forensic genetic genealogy. They exhumed her body, but was in very poor condtion, and they were worried that they would not be able to extract a DNA profile. After much effort, they were able to obtain a file and finally identified the Jane Doe as Peggy Joyce Shelton. When they looked into Peggy's background, they realized that her husband, Jerry Lee Fletcher, was connected to a motel that used bedspreads like the one Peggy was found in. It turns out that he never reported his wife missing. When police looked at his background, they found evidence of other victims with similar MO, and came to realize that he may have been a serial killer. Fletcher died in prison in 2014. Peggy Joyce Shelton finally has her name back, and this is her story.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 124 Maria Honzell Part 2 of 2 This is the conclusion of the Maria Honzell case. If you have not listened to part one now, please stop now and go back and listen to that part first. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 124 Maria Honzell Part 1 of 2   In February 1977, 14 year old Maria Honzell was babysitting for two little boys in her apartment complex.  While everyone thought the boys were asleep, someone stabbed her to death and left he bloodied body in the bedroom.  But the boys weren't asleep – and one of them witnessed the crime.  His description of the killer drove the investigation for years to come – but didn't help solve the case.  It took CeCe Moore and forensic genealogy to do that. When the police learned the name of the killer … it did not answer a lot of questions about what led up to the murder of Maria Honzell.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 123 Doe ID: Melissa Highsmith This Doe ID episode is a bit different from most other ones, because the victim in this case is alive and well. In August, 1971, when Melissa Highsmith was just 22 months old, her mother Alta; desperate for a babysitter, allowed a stranger she didn't know to watch over her little girl in Fort Worth, Texas. Alta was terrified when the woman never contacted her again, and took Melissa with her. The woman had provided Alta with fake information, and no real way to contact her. With not much to go on, police were not much help. Alta prayed and believed in her heart that the woman who took Melissa did so because she wanted a little girl and would raise her and keep her safe. Decades later, Alta along with her family members who never gave up hope that Melissa was out there someplace, began to do their own investigation, and called upon genealogy to help find her. After uploading their DNA profiles to a public database, they found family members that they believed to be biological children of  Melissa. More digging proved that they were correct, and they were finally reunited with Melissa who had indeed been raised by a woman she thought was her mother under an assumed name; Melanie Miyoko . Although Melissa had many struggles in her life, she was alive, and happy to reunite with her real family. She now has her real name back; it's Melissa Highsmith, and this is her story. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 122 Patricia Stichler Part 2 of 2 This is the conclusion of the Patricia Stichler case. If you have not listened to part 1 yet, please stop now and go back and listen to that part first.   To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 122 Patricia Stichler Part 1 of 2   New Years' Day 1985 should have rung in an exciting new year for Patti Stichler and her three young daughters.  Instead, in the middle of the night on January 1-2, someone slashed and stabbed Patti to death in her bedroom.  Her three girls, ages 11, 9 and 6, were in their bedrooms just feet away.  The oldest, Andrea, was the one to find her mom, and also found the most significant clue the police had – the open window in the blood-stained bathroom, and the gaping curtains that had been cut away from it. A knife sheath was found right outside, but the killer eluded police for decades.  Sylvania, OH investigators focused on people Patti knew, but could not link anyone in her inner circle to the crime. Decades later, a very complex forensic genealogy analysis that required interpreting one-sided DNA matches, piercing adoption records, and a lot of luck, finally provided a name – and it was not who anyone suspected. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 122 Doe: ID 'Oscar Talley Road Jane Doe' Shawna Beth Garber  In December, 1990, a couple discovered a human skull on an abandoned farm on Oscar Talley Road near Lanagan, Missouri. A search of the area by police revealed more bones, and clothing. The remains were determined to be that of a woman, but she carried no ID. A white towel had been wrapped around the woman's head, and she was tied with several types of bindings made up of ropes, cords, and coax cables. Due to the state of decomposition, the cause and manner of death could not be determined, but police were confident that the woman had been the victim of a homicide. The dead woman was given the name 'Oscar Talley Road Jane Doe' and police went about trying to figure out how she died and who was responsible; but first, they needed to find out their victim's name, and it would take decades. Along the way, her remains would even be misplaced, and finding them became an investigation within the investigation. In 2021, after more than three decades, genealogy and DNA were used to identify 'Oscar Talley Road Jane Doe' as Shawna Beth Garber. She was 22 years old when she died in 1990. As tragic as the end of her life was, as investigators dug into her background, it seemed as if Shawna never had an easy life; instead it was filled with abuse, and being separated from her family. Now that police knew who their victim was, they focused on finding the person that killed her, and they zeroed in on a man named Taffey Reeves. Unfortunately, Reeves was dead by the time this case was solved, and when investigators looked into his background, they found a disturbing pattern of crimes that led them to believe he was a serial killer. The investigation into Reeves and whether he has other victims is ongoing. After more than three decades, 'Oscar Talley Road Jane Doe' has her name back; it's Shawna Beth Garber, and this is her story.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 121 Melinda Salazar and Carrole Ann White  Starting in 2017, someone started killing women in southwest Detroit, MI.  The killer struck at night, and always used the same weapon – his car.  Detroit police realized that they had a serial killer on their hands. His MO was always the same – pick up a white, female sex worker; have a sexual encounter with her in his vehicle; and then, run her down with that vehicle and rob her.  He was brazen, ruthless, and active, with at least five cases fitting his MO.  Despite all the trappings of modern technology at detectives' disposal, they could not identify the Hit and Run Killer.  Finally, the application of forensic genealogy in an active investigation gave detectives what they needed – a name.  This episode features an exclusive interview with CeCe Moore on her genealogy analysis, and brings to listeners a case that received very little media coverage. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 119 Doe: ID 'Chimney Doe' Ronnie Joe Kirk  In 1989, a custodian in a music store in Madison, Wisconsin discovered human remains in the chimney. At first, it was not clear that the remains were of a male or female, and remnants on clothing though to be a dress fueled confusion. An expert told police that the remains certainly belonged to a man, but since there was no ID with the body, they had no idea who the person was, nor did they know how their body had managed to get down the very small opening of the chimney, or if he was a homicide victim. For years the case remained a mystery, and the man was named 'Chimney Doe'. Eventually, DNA & genealogy proved that the remains were that of Ronnie Joe Kirk who dropped from sight in 1970 after losing contact with his family. Kirk was born in Oklahoma and is known to have travelled through Alabama, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. Authorities now know who he is, but how his remains got where they were found, and whether or not he's a homicide victim, remain a mystery and police are still trying to put the pieces together. Chimney Doe now has his name back; it's Ronnie Joe Kirk, and this is his story. 

Episode 118 Donna Sue Hyatt Donna Sue Hyatt was a loving daughter, sister, mother and grandmother who faced some challenges in life. She relied on her friends, family and faith to help her put a smile on her face every day, and she was always friendly, chatty and sunny – until someone murdered her on her living room floor. There were plenty of suspects both in Donna Sue's life and in the larger Carlsbad, NM area she called home. But police could not pin the crime on any one of them, although they had their suspicions.  Eventually the case went cold. DNA testing in 2010 revived the case, but could not solve it.  It would take the advent of forensic genealogy to link a repeat offender to Donna's brutal slaying – someone who had gotten away with it before.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch  

Episode 117 Doe ID: 'Rhinelander John Doe' Norman Grasser   On March 19,1980, a deceased man was found off of Highway 17, between Rhinelander and Eagle River in Wisconsin. He carried no ID, and the authorities came to the conclusion that he had died as a result of hypothermia, perhaps after falling in the cold and never waking up. The man didn't appear to have the ideal clothing or shoes for walking out in such a cold area, and he didn't carry any ID. After feeling comfortable that they had resolved how he died, the authorities struggled to find anyone in the area who they felt could be a match for him, and his prints were not found to be a match to any on file. The dead man was dubbed 'Rhinelander John Doe'.  Finally after advancements in DNA and genealogy, authorities decided to make a new attempt to ID Rhinelander John Doe, and in In January 2023, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office enlisted the assistance of Ramapo College of New Jersey Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center to help solve the case. The plan worked, and Rhinelander John Doe was identified as Norman Grasser of Chicago. Just how he came to be in Wisconsin remains a mystery. His family had searched for him after filing a missing persons report, but unfortunately, authorities in Chicago never linked their missing persons case to the John Doe in Wisconsin. 'Rhinelander John Doe' finally has his name back; it's Norman Grasser, and this is his story.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch  

Episode 116 Terry Paquette Terry Paquette worked 60+ hours a week as manager of the Lil Champ convenience store on Clarcona Ocoee Road in Lockhart, FL.  It was there that he was stabbed 73 times in the store bathroom in 1996.  The investigation was approached from several angles, including that Terry was slain in the course of a robbery, or that he was killed in a hate crime.  Detectives investigating the case over the years felt certain that Terry knew his killer, but a thorough dissection of his personal life failed to turn up any viable suspects.  When forensic genealogy came along, it pointed to someone detectives had never heard of – someone who had more connection to Terry and the Lil Champ than anyone had guessed.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch  

Episode 115 Doe ID 'Rock Collection John Doe' Captain Everett Leland Yager   A strange mystery unfolded after a boy in Arizona inherited a rock collection from his grandfather in 2002. The boy's mother while looking through the collection found something disturbing; something she knew was not a rock. It was a partial human jawbone containing several teeth. She contacted the Yavapai County Sheriff's office about the disturbing find. It was theorized at first that the remains could have come from a nearby Native American burial grounds, but they soon discounted that theory, and without any kind of clues to go on, they dubbed the remains 'Rock Collection John Doe'.  In 2023, The Ramapo College of New Jersey's Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center, decided to take on identifying the remains. They were successful; the remains belonged to a Captain Everett Leland Yager. There was just one problem, Captain Yager had died in plane crash in California in 1951, and he was laid to rest in his home state of Missouri. The identification of the Captain's remains solved one mystery, but opened up another; how did Captain Yager's jawbone wind up in Arizona decades after he was laid to rest in another state?  After more than two decades, 'Rock Collection John Doe' finally has his name back; it's Captain Everett Leland Yager, and this is his story.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch