Summary

In May 1984, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in a wooded area near the Chattahoochee River in southwest Cobb County, Georgia. A man walking near the edge of his property found the remains. Several law enforcement agencies responded to investigate and search the surrounding area for more evidence. The remains appeared to be a partially clothed adult woman with brown hair.

The Cobb County Medical Examiner determined that woman was between the ages of 18 and 25; she stood 5'0" to 5'4" tall and weighed between 105 and 115 pounds. At some point in her life, the woman underwent reconstructive surgery on the right side of her face to repair a fractured maxilla and a crushed orbital bone. She also had metal pins in her left ankle. The medical examiner estimated that she had died at least three months prior to her remains being found.

The woman was found with a synthetic auburn wig and several pieces of clothing including a western-style long sleeve blouse with ruffles on the front, a light blue t-shirt with a Playboy bunny on the front. Investigators also found a pair of blue jeans and a single light-colored knee-high sock with blue and brown stripes and two size 8 boots, that were light-colored western-style with a thick fleece lining. Her left boot had a metal plate inside. Also found was a men’s brown "Rich's" brand corduroy coat, a work shirt with an embroidered name patch that read George and the company name, "Doug Hyde Unlimited." In the shirt pocket, investigators also found a pack of Camel light cigarettes and a small manila envelope, measuring 2 inches by 1 inch containing two hand-rolled butts. No jewelry or other belongings were found at the scene.

In 2011, a traditional STR DNA profile was developed for comparison to missing persons and entered into CODIS, but no matches were returned. Officials also had a facial reconstruction expert create a 3-D model of what the woman may have looked like when she was alive and distributed it to media. Despite an intensive years-long investigation, the woman could not be identified and she became known as Cobb County Jane Doe (1984). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP10724 in October 2012.

A decade later, in 2022, the Cobb County Medical Examiner, the Cobb County Police Department and the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the woman. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the woman. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.

Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the woman. Reference DNA samples were collected from a relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified woman. This investigation led to the positive identification of the woman, who is now known to be Veronica Jane Miller, born on November 10, 1963.

Miller was 20 years old when she was killed and the homicide investigation is still open. Anyone with information about Miller or what may have happened to her is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department.

Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the pool of available DNA profiles increases the likelihood of successful identifications, helping to reunite families with their missing loved ones and resolve cases that have remained unsolved for years.

The identification of Veronica Miller represents the 24th case in the State of Georgia where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Georgia cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.