*Last Updated – July 2, 2025*
DISCOVERY:
On October 31, 1958, the skeletal remains of an unidentified female were discovered on a hillside, off a dirt road on Skinner Ridge in Arizona, approximately 10 miles southeast of the Grand Canyon.
AUTOPSY:
The remains were examined upon being brought to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, where it was determined Jane Doe had died between nine and 18 months prior to being discovered. Police are currently working on the theory that her death was the result of a homicide.
DETAILS:
Jane Doe is believed to have been a White or Hispanic female between the ages of 11 and 17. She stood anywhere from 5’0″ to 5’3″ and weighed approximately 105-110 pounds. Her natural light brown hair was dyed a reddish brown and was wavy when her remains were discovered. However, the style may not have been its natural state. Given the state of the remains, her eye colour is unknown. She is believed to have received excellent dental care throughout her life, as she had seven fillings.
While the remains were unclothed, clothing was found nearby, including a white wool cardigan short-sleeve sweater; brown plaid capri pants with a red and green pattern and the label World Gamons GRAFF California Wear; white rayon underpants; a Maidenform “Alloette” white cotton brassiere; and an 18″, 10-carat solid gold neck chain with tiny curb-style links. It was noted that the clothing was too big for the body.
Items found near the body included a small jar of Ponds cold cream; a nylon white comb; a small white powder puff with traces of suntan-coloured powder; and a small blue plastic nail file, with the indentation “P” written in script and a hand-printed “R”.
POSSIBLE IDENTITIES:
Given DNA technology wasn’t available at the time of the initial investigation, those believed to have been Jane Doe were ruled out using other techniques. Three names were brought up during the investigation:
- Donnis Redman, who went missing from Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 1, 1958.
- Mary Begay, who went missing from Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, on August 1, 1957.
- Connie Smith, who went missing from Lakeville, Connecticut, on July 16, 1952.
CASE CONTACT INFORMATION:
Given the location of Jane Doe’s remains is currently unknown, her dental records and DNA are not available. As the remains were skeletal, fingerprints couldn’t be collected.
Those with information regarding the identity of Jane Doe are asked to contact the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office at (928) 679-8775 or the Coconino County Sheriff’s Department at (928) 226-5012.
Image Credit: NCMEC/The Doe Network
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