Credit: Madera County Sheriff’s Office
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying an unidentified female victim from an unsolved 1989 homicide, as well as a male John Doe.
New advances using familial genetic genealogy indicate Jane Doe’s maternal lineage is of Avelar descent, with family roots in Nochistlán and Zacatecas, Mexico. A new facial reconstruction by forensic artist PJ Puterbaugh is believed to closely resemble her appearance. A notable identifying feature is a missing tooth that never developed.
Jane Doe is believed to be of Hispanic descent and was approximately 17 to 29 years old at the time of her death. She is estimated to have been between 4’2” and 5’2” tall.
Additionally, on Feb. 26, 1990, the remains of an adult male were discovered on the east side of the San Joaquin River in Madera County, near Firebaugh.
At the time he was recovered, the individual referred to as John Doe was wearing a short-sleeve white, tan, and brown plaid cowboy shirt, Levi’s blue jeans, and a brown leather belt with a silver buckle.
John Doe is described as a male estimated to be between 5’4” and 5’7” in height and between 23 and 28 years of age. Ancestry analysis suggests he may be of Native American descent. However, Hispanic heritage cannot be ruled out.
A forensic facial reconstruction has been completed by forensic artist PJ Puterbaugh. Investigators believe this reconstruction closely represents how John Doe may have appeared during his life.
If you have any information related to this case and/or the identity of this individual, please contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.
To remain anonymous, tips may be submitted through the following:
• Text TIP MaderaSO to 888777 and include your information in the message.
• Submit a tip via the Madera County Sheriff’s Office mobile app at www.MaderaSheriffApp.com
Republished courtesy of Madera Sheriff's Office