Summary
In Fall 1996, a woman checked into an upscale hotel in downtown Seattle, paid cash, and registered under the name, Mary Anderson. She provided a false number with a NY area code and a false address that featured a NY zip code. Once she checked in, she went to room and reportedly had no further contact with hotel staff or room service. No calls were made from the room. She was eventually discovered when she failed to check out of the room. She was discovered lying on her back, on her bed, with a suicide note mentioning that she had no family and that she did not care what was done with her body. The cause of death was determined to be cyanide poisoning.
There were few clues left at the scene. She had no identifying documents, she paid for the room in cash, and there is speculation she might have removed her dental plate to further obstruct efforts to identify her. Investigators searched databases using dental records and fingerprints. There were no matches. A DNA profile was developed for "Mary Anderson" and searched in the CODIS database, but there were no matches. Local and national media appeals, as well as multiple forensic facial reconstructions have failed, so far, to provide leads.
In 2021, King County Medical Examiner's Office has partnered with Othram to use advanced DNA testing and forensic genealogy to establish an identification of, or to find the closest living relatives to the unknown woman. Funds to support the case are being raised on the DNASolves Crowdfunding platform. The case is also logged in NamUs as UP12916.
Updates
Advanced DNA testing suggests a Middle Eastern background for Mary Anderson
November 10
We need your help in solving the mystery of "Mary Anderson," who tragically passed away in a Seattle hotel in 1996 under a false identity. Traditional methods, such as dental records, fingerprints, and media appeals, have proven futile in unlocking her identity.
What we know: "Mary Anderson" registered under a false name, leaving no trace of her real identity. Advanced DNA testing suggests her biogeographical origins trace back to Eastern Iran or Afghanistan, possibly with a Persian background.
How you can help: The case, identified as UP12916 in NamUs, awaits closure. Your DNA profile could be the missing link in uncovering her identity. Even distant relations might offer vital clues. By uploading your data to genealogy databases, you contribute significantly to solving this case. You can upload to the DNASolves database here.
If you have any other information that you think might aid this investigation, please reach out to law enforcement, or contact us at solve@othram.com.
Michael Vogen
Director of Case Management
Michael works with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada on “unsolvable“ cases that can benefit from advanced DNA testing methods. He helps these agencies use cutting edge DNA sequencing and new forensic techniques to develop investigative leads for their cases.