Reconstructions of the decedent (sketches by Karen T. Taylor).
Reconstructions of the decedent (sketches by Karen T. Taylor).
Date of Discovery: May 31, 1986
Location of Discovery: Chambers County, Texas
Estimated Date of Death: 1-2 months prior
State of Remains: Mummified with some skeletonization
Cause of Death: Unknown
Estimated Age: 30-45 years old
Race: Unknown, possibly Black and White
Sex: Assigned male at birth; feminine clothing and other indications of female presentation suggests the decedent was a trans woman.
Height: 4'11" to 5'1"
Weight: 110 to 115 lbs.
Hair: Dyed auburn, collar-length hair (with some gray).
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Both ears pierced twice. Toenails painted pink.
Dentals: Available. Unusual incisor tooth and several fillings.
Fingerprints: Unknown.
DNA: Available.
Clothing: White sun dress, with a floral and leaf design in red, blue, brown, and gray. A white slip; brown pantyhose and a white, size 36C bra.
Jewelry: Gold stud earring and a gold hoop earring in each ear.
Additional Personal Items: Unknown.
The decedent was located beside State Highway 87, about 2.3 miles east of Highway 124, near High Island, Texas.
The remains were long believed to have belonged to a cisgender female, yet eventual genetic testing revealed the subject had been assigned male at birth. Based on the clothing, jewelry, and presence of nail polish, the individual likely identified as female during life.
Agency Name: Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
Agency Contact Person: Sharon Derrick
Agency Phone Number: 713-796-6774 or 713-796-6858
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: PA86-0193
Agency Name: Chambers County Sheriff's Office
Agency Contact Person: Sheriff Brian Hawthorne
Agency Phone Number: 409-267-2500
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: E-86-0216
Agency Name: Texas Department of Public Safety
Agency Contact Person: N/A
Agency Phone Number: 512-424-5074
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: U8607002
NCIC Case Number: U201649614
NamUs Case Number: 4242
NamUs
Texas Department of Public Safety
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
Added: Prior to 2003; Last Updated: 06/24/2023
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information may be estimated.
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