Credit: Ramapo IGG Center
The skeletal remains of an unidentified woman were located by a hiker on Sept. 8, 1986 near a ranch in Bagdad, Arizona. Due to the location she was found, she was later called “Bagdad Betty” by investigators working on her case. She was estimated to be between 24-31 years or age and 5’6″ in height. She had medium to dark brown hair and was found with a green halter top bra, a green and white shirt with “Julie Girl” label and athletic shoes.
Students in the Fall 2023 Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program worked with the Yavapai County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office to identify Bagdad Betty Jane Doe.
During the casework period of their education program, they determined that “Bagdad Betty” was likely Elizabeth McCumber, born in 1962 in Ohio. Elizabeth spent her teenage and early adult years in Arizona and had not been reported missing.
Testing of McCumber’s living siblings confirmed her identity in early 2026. Elizabeth’s case is being investigated as a homicide.
Anyone who knew Elizabeth or was in contact with her in the 1980s should contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260 or Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232.
Republished courtesy of Ramapo IGG Center