Summary

In October 2003, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in a wooded ravine off Franklin Road near Spencer in rural Owen County, Indiana. The discovery was made by a man who was preparing to build a home on the site which is about 40 miles southwest of Indianapolis. Several law agencies responded began collecting evidence and investigating the case as a homicide. They determined the remains belonged to a woman who was likely 25 to 45 years old, stood about 5'5" tall, and had a healed injury indicating she had a broken nose at some point in her life. She was found with a medallion that was about the size of a silver dollar, that included with the words "Corline S. Likes Steve P. Love" and an American flag in the center on the front. On the back of the medallion, there is a four leaf clover and the words "GOOD LUCK." Investigators estimated the woman died at least a year prior to the discovery of her remains.

Despite an extensive investigation, the woman could not be identified. The case went cold and she became known as Owen County Jane Doe (2003). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP13479.

In 2023, the Owen County Coroner's Office collaborated with the Indiana State Police Laboratory to submit forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas where scientists worked to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the woman. At Othram, scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence, which was used to build a comprehensive DNA profile using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then 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 Deanna Marie Smith, born on August 29, 1962. She was born Deanna Moore and adopted at a young age, taking the the surname Smith.

Smith's death is classified as a homicide and remains under investigation. Anyone with information that could lead to an arrest and conviction in the case is urged to call ISP Det. Toni Walden or Det. Matt Busick at 800-852-3970.

Funding for the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy used in this case was provided by NamUs, a national clearinghouse that assists the criminal justice community with the investigation and resolution of missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases across the United States and its territories. NamUs is funded and administered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and is managed through a contract with Research Triangle Institute International. We are grateful for the support of RTI, NamUs, and the NIJ.

The identification of Deanna Smith represents the 12th case in the State of Indiana where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Indiana cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.