Summary
On April 10, 1991, officers responded to a report of a deceased person in the 2000 block of North B Street in Sacramento, California. Upon arrival, they discovered the remains of a white female, estimated to be between 20 and 40 years old. The woman was found wearing blue jeans, a pink sweater, a light-colored blouse, white socks, and white Reebok shoes. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Despite the severity of the crime and a thorough investigation, the victim’s identity remained a mystery. In 2008, a DNA profile was developed and entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), but no matches were found. Her case was one of many that remained open, awaiting a technological breakthrough that could finally deliver answers. The case was listed in NamUs under case number UP2384 and the woman became known as Sacramento Jane Doe.
Years later, the case was revisited by investigators, and skeletal evidence was submitted to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. Utilizing Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®, Othram scientists were able to build a comprehensive DNA profile. Funding for the testing was provided through the Roads to Justice (RTJ) initiative. The resulting profile enabled the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Cold Case Unit to conduct forensic genetic genealogy research, which pointed to a potential identity. A standard familial DNA comparison later confirmed that the remains belonged to Sheila Osborne, a 40-year-old woman who had recently relocated to Sacramento from Johnson City, Tennessee around the time of her death.
The Sacramento Police Department continues to pursue leads in the case and urges members of the public who may have had contact with Sheila Osborne in 1991 to come forward. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Department’s dispatch center at 916-808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
This is the 61st case in California 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 perpetrators and bringing answers to victims and their 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.