Helen Groomes : 1978 Lincoln County Jane Doe Identified: Breakthrough in Cold Case

By Trend News Line 2024-04-01 22:16:39.

Identification of Young Woman’s Remains from 1978 Finally Revealed

In a recent breakthrough, the identity of a young woman whose remains were discovered in the Mississippi River in 1978 has finally been revealed. The Lincoln County authorities found the female’s body near Elsberry, Missouri, and took it to the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination.

Autopsy Details and Initial Misidentification

Initially believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, the woman was determined to have drowned with no signs of trauma. The authorities laid her to rest in the Troy City Cemetery under the name “Lincoln County Jane Doe.” However, in October 2023, officials discovered that she was actually a teenager at the time of her death, significantly younger than previously thought. This revelation led to a comprehensive genealogical investigation to identify her true identity.

Identification of Helen Groomes

After collecting a familial DNA reference sample and conducting tests, the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office confirmed a match with 15-year-old Helen Groomes. She was last seen in Ottumwa, Iowa, shedding light on her journey before her tragic demise in the Mississippi River.

Gratitude and Call for Information

Lincoln County Sheriff Rick Harrell expressed gratitude to the teams involved in solving this long-standing mystery, including SEMO, Othram, and the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office. Their collaborative efforts were crucial in bringing closure to Groomes’ family after decades of uncertainty. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Det. Aaron McConnell with the Wapello County Sheriff’s Department for further assistance.

Conclusion

The revelation of Helen Groomes’ identity marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into the 1978 tragedy. As the authorities continue their efforts to piece together the events leading to her untimely death, the community remains hopeful for justice and closure for the young woman and her loved ones..

– Lincoln County Jane Doe identified
– Remains of Lincoln County Jane Doe.