Credit: Calaveras Cold Case
The Calaveras Cold Case Task Force is announcing that, through continued efforts and in partnership with forensic investigative specialists, the identity of the woman previously known as “Parrotts Ferry Jane Doe” has been confirmed.
Anita Kathleen Ranker, born Feb. 18, 1969, in Santa Clara County, has been identified as the woman whose remains were found on Oct. 9, 2015, beneath the Parrotts Ferry Bridge.
After more than a decade of remaining nameless, this identification represents a significant breakthrough in a case that had gone cold. Through the continued efforts of the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force and the use of modern forensic technology, investigators have been able to provide long-awaited answers regarding the identity of a woman who remained unknown for far too long.
Ranker’s remains were discovered partially submerged in 2015 due to the historically low, drought-era level of the Stanislaus River beneath the Parrotts Ferry Bridge. The original investigation revealed that the remains belonged to an unidentified female who was likely the victim of homicide.
Despite extensive investigative efforts, the woman’s identity remained unknown following her discovery, and the case eventually went cold. In 2021, following the creation of the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force, the case was reopened with hopes of using advancements in forensic science to provide answers.
Over the ensuing years, the remains were sent to numerous laboratories, each using cutting-edge technology to attempt to extract DNA suitable for Forensic Genetic Genealogy. The extraction of DNA was complicated by the degradation of the remains, which occurred from being underwater for many years.
Resolve Forensics of Utah provided over three years of laboratory services while assigned to this case, making significant progress on extracting DNA suitable for forensic genetic genealogy from the remains.
In June 2026, Astrea Forensics successfully extracted usable DNA. Forensic investigative genetic genealogy work conducted by Identifinders International led to the discovery of Ranker’s relatives, who voluntarily provided a DNA reference sample.
The DNA reference samples confirmed the identity of Anita Ranker through a two-pronged approach: private laboratory work and the California Department of Justice.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ranker’s death remains active. Task Force members will continue working to gather additional information, identify those responsible, and bring accountability for the crime committed against her.
Investigators believe Ranker disappeared prior to the year 2000. She was never reported missing, and a person of interest has been identified. Ranker is believed to have been living in or around Murphys, Calif., at the time of her death.
The Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force would like to thank the donors, forensic specialists, partner agencies, investigators, and community members who have supported this investigation over the years. Advances in technology, combined with the dedication of those who refuse to give up on unresolved cases, continue to provide new opportunities to bring answers to victims and their families.
“Every unidentified person represents a family, friends, and a life story that deserves to be known,” said Sheriff Rachelle Whiting. “The identification of Parrotts Ferry Jane Doe is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the Cold Case Task Force and the forensic partners who continued working toward the goal of restoring Anita Ranker’s name.”
The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to this investigation to contact the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 754-6500 or provide information through the department’s anonymous tip line at (209) 754-6030. For more information about the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force non-profit organization, please visit their website at https://www.calaverascoldcase.org.
The laboratory and forensic costs associated with this investigation have exceeded $50,000. This work was made possible entirely through tax-deductible donations to the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force, allowing us to continue searching for the answers that families deserve.
Republished courtesy of Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office