Van Nuys Jane Doe was a woman who was found murdered in Van Nuys, California, on July 21, 1987.
She may be a victim of a possible serial killer.
Case[]
Discovery[]
A transient discovered the victim in an isolated area of the Sepulveda flood control basin in the 16300 block of Burbank Boulevard. She was found wrapped in blankets and a blue plastic tarp. She had been dead for two to four weeks when her body was dumped in the park off Burbank Boulevard and just east of Havenhurst Avenue. An examination of her body showed that her killer had strangled her and cleanly removed her arms, starting at the elbows. Her body was cremated on August 17, 1987.
Investigation[]
The victim's case is considered similar to the deaths of six other women in Southern California because of the precisive mutilation of her limbs. She may not have been from or resided in the area of her discovery due to how she was dressed. She is known to law enforcement as Jane Doe No. 53. According to the Doe Network, her dentals and DNA are available.
Characteristics[]
- Medium-length brown hair.
- Brown eyes.
- Appendectomy scar.
- Prior pregnancy.
- Wore contact lenses.
- Reddish-pink paint on her toenails.
- Once wore braces.
- Had cocaine in her system.
- Previous dental work.
- Several dental fillings.
- Missing teeth in her upper right molar region.
Clothing and accessories[]
- Light blue short-sleeve homemade dress, ties at the neck in the front and waist in the back, 'outdated' style.
- Tan bra.
- Tan slip.
- Tan underwear.
- Black size 8, inexpensive, high-heel open-toe strap shoes.