In June 1978, the remains of an unidentified female were discovered in Kern County near South Wheeler Ridge Road. Without an identity for the victim, the case went cold. For 48 years, detectives knew her only as Jane Doe.
Despite the efforts of detectives and forensic specialists, her identity remained unknown. Without her identity, there were no leads, no suspects, and no arrests.
Now, Jane Doe has been identified as Michelle Collier, providing long-awaited answers to a family that has lived for decades without knowing what happened to their loved one.
This was made possible due to the ongoing commitment of homicide detectives, the coroner’s office, along with the utilization of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG).
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information from anyone who knew Michelle Collier.
Detectives urge anyone with information, no matter how minor, to contact Detective Thompson at 661-861-3110 or the secret witness line at 661-322-4040.
Republished courtesy of Kern County Sheriff's Office