The Doe Network:
Case File 174UFMA
Sketch of Victim by David R. Wood
Unidentified White Female
- Located on October 30, 1996 in New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts.
- Cause of death was homicide. The victim had been hit in the face and head and shot a dozen times.
Vital Statistics
- Estimated age: 30 - 45 years old
- Approximate Height and Weight: 5'2"; 127 lbs.
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Shoulder-length hair, dyed strawberry blonde within a month of her killing. Her natural color was light brown. Brown/hazel eyes. Though her ears were pierced, she wore no earrings. Her toenails were painted but her fingernails were not. Her hands were not callused.
She didn't shave her legs or her armpits. She was well groomed. She was petite and looked european.
- Dentals: Available. She'd had some dental work done, fillings and root canals, most judged by a forensics expert to be too poor in quality to have been done in the United States. But one root canal, less than five years
old, was done in US.
- Clothing: A mustard-color long-sleeve turtleneck, size medium, made by Licorice, under a white pullover sweater. The sweater had multi-colored rectangular designs. It was a size medium, brand name Oakbrook, probably bought mail-order a decade ago. Blue Levi's 521 jeans and black ankle High Lites high tie boots with chunky-style heels. Pantyhose, underwear and cotton socks.
- Jewelry: A gold ring with an emerald colored stone, with no inscription on her left ring finger. Experts say it comes from Belarus, part of the old Soviet Union.
- Fingerprints: Available
- AKA: "Popes Island Jane Doe"
Case History
The victim was found floating off of Popes Island Marina in New Bedford, MA.
Her body was found wrapped in two green garbage bags and a white and teal wool blanket, the kind common to fishing boats.. She was found by a maintenance worker at the Popes Island Marina.
She was found at the marina within 24 hours of being dumped in the
water and within 48 hours of being killed.
Investigators believe the body might have been dumped in the water elsewhere, and that the current eventually pushed it to the dock.
Copies of the woman's fingerprints was sent to the FBI and Interpol.
She probably never had children. And there
is no evidence of drug use.
There was no sign of sexual assault.
Investigators think things like the Russian ring, the unshaved legs, the poor dental work point to an immigrant from eastern Europe. The fact that checks of visas and immigration records of fingerprints and photos have turned up empty could mean an illegal immigrant.
Ring worn by victim
Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
New Bedford Police
508-991-6320
Agency Case Number: 96-20704
NCIC Number: N/A
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.
Source Information: Massachusetts State Police
South Coast Today
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