Summary

In May 1983, the skeletal remains of an unidentifed individual were found on the south shore of Simmons Island, near the Rich Island Duck Club, in the Solano County, Calfornia city of Benicia. The Solano County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Solano County Coroner’s Office, responded to the scene and began investigating. The remains were determined to be human and were initially believed to be that of an adult male. The decedent became known only as John Doe #5 (1983). Despite continued investigation into the identity and circumstances surrounding the death, the decedent was ultimately laid to rest without being identified. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP17587.

In July 2023, the remains were exhumed and the case was re-opened. New DNA testing revealed that the remains belonged to a female, not amale as previously believed, and the decedent was reclassified as Jane Doe #5 (1983). Over the next 15 months, the Solano County Coroner Investigators and forensic staff pursued numerous leads and continued investigation.

As part of their efforts, the Solano County Coroner’s Office 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 forensic evidence, and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive genealogical profile for the unknown woman. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genetic genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads 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 the potential relatives and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown woman using Othram's KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the woman as 39-year-old Patricia Ann Hertel of Tracy, CA.

Patricia Hertel was last known to be aboard a fishing vessel in Suisun Bay on August 8, 1981, more than 18 months before her remains were found. She was 39 years old. The boat, carrying Hertel and her boyfriend, failed to return after bad weather hit that evening. A search was launched. The body of Hertel’s boyfriend was recovered several days later, and the vessel was found sunk in Suisun Bay. However, Hertel was never located and was presumed drowned. Although Jane Doe #5 (1983) has now been identified, Hertel’s missing persons case remains active, as only partial skeletal remains were recovered.

This is the 62nd case in California in which officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. To support the resolution of more cases like this, consider providing your DNA data to DNASolves in support of law enforcement identifying people and bringing answers to their families.