Not to be confused with Mary Andersen.
"Mary A. Anderson" was the alias used by a woman who died by suicide in Seattle, Washington.
In May 2021, it was announced that the King County Medical Examiner and Othram, Inc had teamed up in order to identify the decedent.
On November 10, 2023, Othram released information that revealed her origins trace back to Eastern Iran or Afghanistan, and she may be of Persian descent.
Sighting[]
On October 9, 1996, the unidentified woman checked into the Hotel Vintage Park in Seattle, Washington. She used the alias, "Mary Anderson." She also gave a non-existent New York City phone number (212-569-5549) and address (132 East Third Street, New York, NY 11103). The woman paid in cash.
The zip code (11103) and the area code (212) that she listed are actual codes corresponding to different areas of New York City (Queens and Manhattan, respectively). The street and street number she used (132 East Third Street) are also valid addresses when used with the ZIP codes 10009 (in Manhattan) and 11218 (in Brooklyn). This suggests she had some familiarity with the general NYC area and Manhattan in particular.
Death[]
She took cyanide mixed with Metamucil. As she died, she lay on the bed with a large, black Bible, reading the 23rd Psalm. This psalm is commonly associated with death and funerals. ("The Lord is my shepherd...")
Two days later, when she failed to check out, the hotel staff entered the room. They found the deceased dressed in all black, with full make-up (including pink lipstick). She had left a suicide note on hotel stationery:
"To Whom It May Concern.
I have decided to end my life and no one is responsible for my death.
Mary Anderson.
P.S. I have no relatives. You can use my body as you choose."
Characteristics[]
- Short, reddish-brown hair.
- Brown eyes.
- Neatly-plucked eyebrows.
- Manicured nails, cream color.
- Heavy makeup.
- Surgical scars on breasts, likely from a breast reduction.
- A copper IUD and a dental plate.
- No distinct accent.
Clothing and accessories[]
- Six stretch velour outfits.
- Cobalt blue jacket.
- Black leather gloves.
- Shoes.
- Slippers.
- Pantyhose.
Belongings[]
- Estée Lauder cosmetics.
- Perfume.
- An iron.
- Kitchen bowl.
- Toothpaste.
- Crystal Light.
- Metamucil mixed with cyanide to facilitate her suicide.
- Olive green purse made of woven leather.
- Two luggage bags.
- Note.
Exclusions[]
Gallery[]
Sources[]
- Mary Anderson at NamUs POSTMORTEM WARNING
- Mary Anderson on Wikipedia
- Mary Anderson at the Doe Network
- DNASolves
- Seattle PI
- Washed Away podcast
- Mary Anderson at Find a Grave
- Natalie Murry