Jenkins County Jane Doe was a teenager or young adult found murdered on February 14, 1988. She is thought to have been asphyxiated. A man, now deceased, allegedly confessed to her murder but was never charged.
Case
A man searching for cans initially discovered the victim's body while his companion waited in his vehicle. They later brought a friend to the scene and alerted police. At least one other person had noticed a foul odor coming from the dumpster but did not investigate.
The victim had been placed inside a duffel-style suitcase after being wrapped in bedding material and tape. Her feet had been bound. It has been suggested that the bedding could have originated from her residence or a place of employment.
The condition of her body greatly impacted the accuracy of the original reconstruction. GBI officials stated that the rendering may have been inaccurate. Despite this, they received tips of women who bore a resemblance, also noting similarities with the bedding material. One investigator considered the possibility the bedding originated from Korea.
The cause of death could not be determined, although asphyxiation is suspected. Some theorize the pillow found with the remains was used to smother her. However, no blood was found on this item, and no signs of trauma were identified.
Original sketch by Marla Lawson, which police feel is "not as accurate."
Initially, the victim was listed as White or Hispanic. Investigators now believe she was most likely of East Asian descent. They believe she was not likely from Jenkins County or the surrounding region. She may have traveled to the area by ground transport shortly before her death. She may have been accompanied by Johnny Young, although that has not been verified.
In 1991, investigators received a phone call, presumably from Johnny Young, a person of interest in the case since 1988, who confessed to the murder. After he was located in New Jersey, he denied making the phone call. He is now deceased. Young may have been acquainted with a Puerto Rican woman who resembled the initial GBI sketch.
Despite the fact the remains were cremated, additional information regarding her age and race could be established if bone fragments still exist. Evidence in the case has been sent for additional examination as of 2018.
Characteristics
- It is commonly believed she was of East Asian descent, although she could have had white ancestry.
- An initial autopsy report states that she was possibly Hispanic without mentioning any possibility of her being Caucasian.
- In the decades since her disappearance, some have posited that she was Native American.
- Some of her front teeth were crooked, but she had good dental health.
- Not long before she died, she had one of her molars removed, although the socket had healed.
- The alignment of her teeth may be characteristic of Asian and Native American ethnicity.
- Her hair was fairly long and was dark brown to black in color.
- She had recently shaved her legs.
Accessories
- The remains were unclothed and lacked jewelry.
- The body was concealed in a tan, wheeled suitcase resembling a duffel bag.
- Additionally, trash bags were also used.
- A pale green pillow with a floral design.
- Maroon bedspread with a similar pattern to the pillow.
- A towel with a butterfly design.
- Sheets lacking embroidery.
Gallery
