Unsolved Mystery: Oregon’s Oldest Unidentified Woman’s Remains Finally Exhumed

The remains of a woman found in 1946 are being exhumed in Oregon as officials seek to solve the state’s oldest unidentified person case. Known as “Oak Grove Jane Doe,” her remains were initially discovered in a burlap sack along the Willamette River. Over the years, more remains and clothing linked to her were also found in nearby areas.

Experts believe she was between 30 and 50 years old and had suffered blunt-force trauma to the head. The investigation suggested her remains were placed in multiple burlap sacks and discarded in the river. Despite receiving national attention, her identity remains a mystery. Some critical evidence went missing in the 1950s, which hindered the investigation. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office reviewed the case in 2008 but found no new leads without the body.

Recently, authorities discovered that her remains were likely buried in Oregon City’s Mountain View Cemetery, where a grave marker reads “Unknown Woman 1946.” On Monday, the Oregon State Police exhumed her remains, which had deteriorated over the decades. They aim to apply advanced forensic testing to learn her identity.

Forensic anthropologist Hailey Collord-Stalder expressed hope that these new efforts might finally restore the woman’s name, stating, “For decades, this case was presumed impossible to resolve.”

The case highlights how advancements in forensic science can provide answers long after a tragedy. With ongoing support from experts and law enforcement, there’s a renewed belief that the mystery of “Oak Grove Jane Doe” can be unraveled, perhaps giving her a place in history.

To keep updated on this case and others like it, you can check the Oregon State Police updates here.

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Homicide, Cold Case, Oregon, Murder