Summary
On May 16, 1981, the skeletal remains of an unidentified woman were found along George Road just north of Noland Road in a rural area of Kansas City, Missouri. The Kansas City Police Department and Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office responded and began collecting evidence and investigating. The woman was white, estimated to be between 32 and 52 years old, and her remains were almost completely skeletonized. No clothing or personal effects were recovered. There was no way to identify her at the time.
Despite decades of investigation, the woman could not be identified and became known as Kansas City Jane Doe. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP5310.
In September of 2024, the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory, working with the Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office, submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence. and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the woman.
Upon completion the DNA profile, a genetic genealogy search was conducted by Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team, who worked to develop new investigative. Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the woman.
A DNA sample belonging to a possible relative was collected and subsequently compared to the DNA profile belonging to the Jane Doe. This comparison, enabled investigators to identify the woman as Karen Sue Enggas, who was born in 1952.
This is the 28th publicly announced case in Missouri where officials leveraged Othram's identity inference pipeline. Read about other case by visiting Othram's website.
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.