On May 16, 2025, the Walker County Sheriff’s Office (Alabama), in collaboration with medical examiners and pathologists from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) and the Jasper Police Department, exhumed the remains of a Jane Doe—an unidentified female discovered alongside Alabama Highway 5 in Walker County in October 1984.
Despite exhaustive efforts at the time of discovery, her identity has remained unknown due to the limited forensic technology available in the 1980s. This case has remained a deeply felt concern for investigators for over four decades, according to Cold Case Investigator Mike Cole.
“Recent advancements in DNA technology have significantly increased our ability to identify previously unidentified remains. A grant awarded to ADFS will now fund the advanced testing required— procedures which typically range in cost from $15,000 to $20,000,” said Cole.
Jane Doe was “adopted” by the Walker County community in 1984. Her funeral was attended by many local citizens, and funeral services were graciously provided by Fred Burke. Her foot stone is inscribed with the words: “Only God Knows.”
“We are hopeful that we will soon be able to learn her name and reconnect her with any surviving family members,” said Cole.
Republished courtesy of Walker County Sheriff's Office