Early in the morning on Feb. 24, 1986, an unidentified woman was discovered in the 1300 Block of Kuroki Street, near Hillside Park in Ft. Worth, Texas. She had been manually strangled and left at the scene. Despite early investigative efforts, the woman's identity was unknown. Progress stalled until the mid‑2000s, when previously stored evidence was located and submitted for STR DNA analysis.
Although DNA profiles were developed, no investigative leads emerged that could provide a tentative identity for comparison. Details of the case were entered into NamUs as UP4476.
In July 2025, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office (TCME) submitted evidence belonging to the woman to Othram for advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy. At Othram, scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence. Using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing, the Othram team then worked to construct a comprehensive SNP profile compatible with a forensic genetic genealogy search.
Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team worked to generate new investigative leads in the case, which were provided to law enforcement. Genealogical research identified members of the McLerran family as potential relatives. A man who investigators believed to be the brother of Jane Doe voluntarily provided a DNA reference sample.
A comparison of Floyd's DNA sample against the DNA profile of the woman's demonstrated a biological sibling relationship. Based on these findings and information provided by Floyd McLerran, the woman's brother, the TCME conclusively identified the woman as Brenda Darnell McLerran Smith, born February 23, 1950.
Floyd McLerran reported that his sister Brenda disappeared in the mid-1980s after leaving home to hitchhike to Dallas. Anyone with information related to the 1986 homicide of Brenda McLerran is encouraged to contact the Fort Worth Police Department’s Homicide Unit by calling 817-392-4330.
This is the 30th publicly-announced case in Texas where investigators have used Othram's technology to identify an individual. Learn about other cases by visiting Othram's website.
Republished courtesy of DNASolves