This individual was recently confirmed to have been identified. Some details may change as more information is released publicly.
Joan Shirley Joyce Waters (born 1936) was a woman found beaten to death in Florida in 1978.
She was identified by Othram in July 2024.
Case[]
Joan's nude body was found buried in a shallow grave near the 21-mile marker in Alligator Alley. The body had been covered in lime, likely in the mistaken belief that it would quicken decomposition. However, the lime had preserved the victim's body so well that fingerprints could be obtained. It was determined she was killed by a blow to the head.
The case went cold for over four decades until genetic genealogical research undertaken by Othram identified living family members.
After her identification in 2024, Joan's brother informed the police that she had lost contact with her family some years before her death and that he last saw her in the early 1970s.
As of 2024, police are investigating a suspect in her murder. However, this person is also deceased.
Characteristics[]
- Light brown hair.
- May have had hazel eyes.
- May have had chronic ear infections resulting in hearing loss.
- Extensive dental work, including restorative work of an extremely high quality.
- This dental work is estimated to have been done approximately two years before her death.