Summary
On February 16, 1975, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in the Collier County town of Naples, Florida. A man and woman were traveling north on Turner River Road when they saw a raccoon run across the road. They let their dog out to chase it when they discovered a human skull which they reported to authorities. The Collier County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and began collecting evidence and investigating. In their search, detectives found additional skeletal remains under bushes and tall grass.
An anthropological assessment estimated that the remains belonged to a Black female between 21 and 35 years old. Investigators also determined that the woman died from a gunshot wound, likely more than a year before she was found. Despite a lengthy investigation, the woman could not be identified and she became known as Naples Jane Doe (1975). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP1334 on April 7, 2008.
In January 2024, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine whether advanced DNA testing could help identify the woman. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the evidence and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile. As is not uncommon, the genome-wide DNA analysis revised earlier anthropological estimates of biogeographical ancestry, determining that the woman was White and of European ancestry. Using this DNA profile and the updated ancestry information, Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team conducted a genetic genealogy search and developed new investigative leads, which were returned to law enforcement.
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 Darlene Schab.
Darlene Shab's homicide remains under investigation. Anyone with information on this case is asked to please contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers: 1-800-780-TIPS (1-800-780-8477) (24/7).
The identification of Darlene Schab represents the 46th case in the State of Florida where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Florida cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.