This individual was recently confirmed to have been identified. Some details may change as more information is released publicly.
Tabetha Ann Murlin (née: Slain), previously known as "Mary Jane Doe", was a woman who was discovered in Indiana in 1992. It is believed she was a transient who died from exposure.
She was identified in February 2024.
Case[]
The decedent, nicknamed "Mary Jane Doe," was discovered in a flooded basement by a contractor. The body was wrapped in a furniture blanket. She had died in late 1991 or early 1992, with her remains in a decomposed state. The building had also retained water in the area she was recovered from.
Foul play is not suspected in her death, as a 1992 examination failed to discern signs of violence. It is primarily suspected Murlin died from exposure to the elements. Toxicology testing was possibly performed on the remains, although no further information on the results is available.[1] After initial dental records were taken, the body was buried in a local cemetery.
In 2017, her remains were exhumed to obtain dental radiography and DNA information. A facial reconstruction was also created. Eventually, genetic genealogy was utilized in the case, which led to the discovery of her identity. She was not in contact with family at the time of her death; they had believed she had been alive and residing elsewhere before being notified of the match to the former Jane Doe. Murlin's estranged husband was also informed and interviewed by investigators.
Characteristics[]
- Light brown to blonde hair.
- About 26 weeks pregnant.
- Below-average muscle mass.
- Healing fractures on both sides of her nose.
- Possibly suffered from back pain that may have affected her posture.
Clothing and accessories[]
- Light blue or gray Windcrest jacket.
- Knit striped shirt.
- Black bra.
- White underwear.
- Black sweatpants.
- Pink Reebok sneakers.
- Gold-colored braided necklace.
- Gold-colored loop necklace with three star-shaped charms.
- A moving blanket.
Gallery[]
Sources[]
- Tabetha Murlin at the Doe Network
- CBS 15
- 21 Alive News:
- WANE
- WFFT
- CNN
- Fox News
- ↑ "Woman's Death Not Foul Play, Coroner Says." The Journal Gazette. 26 May 1992.