Episode 127 Doe: ID 'Mowry Avenue Jane Doe'

On October 24, 1985, the body of a woman was found by hunters near Mowry Avenue in Newark, California. Although the remains were mostly skeletonized, it was clear that she was a homicide victim, and had been shot to death. It was estimated she had been dead for about six months. The dead woman had no ID, and the only items found with her included some barrettes, a watch, a ring on her finger, and some earrings. It was determined that the Jane Doe was a White woman likely 30-36 years old with Reddish Brown hair. Her height was estimated to be between 5ft6 and 5ft8. Without much to go on, "Mowry Avenue Jane Doe" or "Wetlands Jane Doe" was laid to rest, but her case wasn't forgotten. Years later, DNA & genealogy would provide answers, but also more questions. Her birth mother was identified as Marian Marie Richardson of Missouri. A half sister of Jane Doe's was also identified living in Texas. She has been adopted out as a baby by Marian. Marian told her family that she put one child up for adoption, but she never mentioned a second child that she gave up, and there is no record of her putting up another baby for adoption. So we know who Mowry Ave Jane Doe's Mother & half sister are, but we still do not know who she is, and we don't know who murdered her. If she can finally be identified, then maybe her killer can be as well.

Investigators are still working Mowry Ave Jane Doe's case. If you have any information, please contact Newark Police Department Detective Andrew Musantry by phone at 510-578-4956 or email at Andrew.Musantry@newark.org

Namus file

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