Wooded area where the remains were found in march 1996. Credit: Baltimore County PD
More than 29 years after her remains were found, a woman known only as “Falls Road Jane Doe” has been identified.
Through a partnership established with DNA Labs International (DLI), the Baltimore County Police Department now knows that Leoria Smith was last seen 12 years before her body was discovered. At the time of her disappearance, Smith was 20 years old and the mother of an infant daughter. Smith’s disappearance was unknown to detectives due to it never being reported to authorities.
It wasn’t until March 1996 when human remains were found in a wooded area off Falls Road that detectives became involved. The woman was found wearing blue jeans, a light-colored blouse with dark pinstripes and pearl buttons, a leather jacket, and high-top style shoes. Additionally, two gold hoop earrings were also recovered at the scene. Despite extensive investigative efforts, the identity of the woman’s remains could not be determined and the woman became known as “Falls Road Jane Doe.”
In April 2021, the Baltimore County Police Department enlisted DLI to use the latest technology available on this case. Through DLI’s ForenSeq Kintelligence System, the private forensic DNA laboratory applied the newest Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) technology. The testing enabled the development of a DNA profile. That profile was then used by DLI’s genealogists to generate new investigative leads for the department. Based on those leads, detectives conducted numerous interviews and obtained samples for additional testing. This collaboration led to the identity of “Falls Road Jane Doe” becoming known.
While detectives now know Smith’s identity, the search for answers surrounding her suspicious death continues. Anyone who knew Leoria Smith, or may have photographs of her, is being asked to contact Baltimore County detectives at 410-887-3943. Information may also be provided through the Baltimore County iWATCH program.
Police know that in the late 1970s into 1980, Smith attended Gywnns Falls Park Junior High School. Just prior to her death, she also frequented the club “Underground,” which was located in the 2100 block of Edmondson Avenue in Baltimore City. Detectives received information that Smith was possibly last seen alive at the club “Underground,” celebrating her birthday in November 1984.
The Baltimore County Police Department extends its gratitude to DNA Labs International and its commitment to this case. DLI, which is a private forensic DNA laboratory with over 20 years of experience, was founded uniquely to support law enforcement across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
Republished courtesy of Baltimore Police Department