Shelly Rae Christian (also known by the surname Kephart), known as "Matilda" to investigators while unidentified, (February 13, 1964 - c. October 7, 1993) was a woman who was discovered in 1994 in Coopersville, Michigan. She may have been a victim of an unidentified serial killer who preyed on sex workers during the 1990s.
She was tentatively identified by the DNA Doe Project in late December 2021 and a confirmation was made in January 2022.
Case[]
Shelly's remains were found by a pair of rabbit hunters in a wooded area near Wright Township of Ottawa County, Michigan on November 6, 1994. The township is adjacent to the city of Coopersville. The remains were located at the south end cul-de-sac of 32nd Avenue just north of I-96.
Shelly was most likely disposed in the area between May and September of 1994. Rural West Michigan experienced a series of murders related to sex workers during the early and mid-1990s and this case has similarities with such cases and fits into the time frame.
Characteristics[]
- Long red, brown or auburn hair with a wavy texture.
- Petite build.
- Healed fracture in lower back.
- Previous surgery on left knee, potentially dating back to 1980, which possibly resulted in a limp.
- Missing several teeth prior to her death.
Clothing[]
- Black Stefano stretch pants, size S.
- Pink panties with blue stripes, size 5.
- Blue Cornerstone-Gloria high heeled shoes, size 6.
Gallery[]
Sources[]
- Shelly Christian at the Doe Network
- Shelly Christian at the DNA Doe Project
- Shelly Christian at the Charley Project
- WoodTV
- Holland Sentinel
- Fox 9