Accident – Death – Obituary News :
SMITH COUNTY, Texas – The breakthrough in a nearly four-decade-old mystery has finally provided closure for the community. Thanks to advancements in DNA testing and genealogy, the person at the heart of this long-standing enigma has been identified.
In a remote area of Smith County, Texas, a Jane Doe discovered in October 1985 has now been officially named as Sindy Gina Crow, bringing an end to years of uncertainty surrounding her fate.
Crow’s remains were unearthed by a highway mowing crew in a secluded gully on the south side of I-20. The DNA Doe Project, a non-profit organisation dedicated to solving cold cases through genetic genealogy, played a pivotal role in unraveling the mystery.
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Despite the passage of time, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office rekindled the investigation in 2021, seeking the expertise of the DNA Doe Project. This innovative approach has led to the resolution of over 100 cases involving unidentified individuals.
An exhaustive forensic analysis determined that Crow, a young white/Caucasian woman with distinctive reddish-brown hair tied in a ponytail, stood between 5’5″ and 5’7″ and weighed approximately 110 to 125 lbs. The circumstances surrounding her concealment indicated a deliberate attempt to obscure her identity.
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With thousands of unidentified individuals across the country, the DNA Doe Project is shedding light on cold cases. FOX 7 Austin’s Angela Shen delves into the world of genetic genealogy to bring closure to families.
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A comprehensive DNA profile was generated and cross-referenced on GEDmatch Pro and FTDNA, online platforms accessible to law enforcement agencies. Despite challenges posed by recent immigration and underrepresentation of certain demographics, the DNA Doe Project meticulously constructed a family tree to identify Crow.
Crow’s lineage, which encompassed Italian and Hispanic heritage, initially posed obstacles in the investigation. Nevertheless, dedicated volunteers overcame these hurdles to piece together the puzzle and unveil her true identity.
Tragically, no evidence of Crow’s existence beyond 1985 could be found, leaving her story shrouded in mystery. FOX 7 Austin continues to seek further insights from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office on this poignant case.
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