Summary
In January 2001, the partial skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in Las Vegas, Vegas in the area of Pabco and Sunset Roads. A search of the area resulted in the discovery of additional remains, leading investigators to conclude that the person had been buried in a shallow grave alongside burnt pieces of wood, bushes, and several large pieces of concrete or rocks. It was determined that the woman died as a result of homicide.
The woman could not be identified and became known as Las Vegas Jane Doe. Details of the woman’s case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP250. Despite investigators’ efforts, the woman was identified for more than twenty years when the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department teamed with Othram to determine if the woman could be identified using advanced DNA testing.
In 2021, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department submitted forensic evidence to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where scientists worked to extract DNA from the provided evidence. A comprehensive DNA profile was developed using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to enabling Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team to develop new leads in the case. These leads were returned to law enforcement for a follow-up investigation.
The follow-up investigation led investigators to potential relatives of the woman. A reference DNA sample was collected from a possible relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown woman using KinSNP® rapid relationship testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the woman, who is now known to be Virgia Mae Jackson. An investigation into Jackson’s death is ongoing.
Anyone with information can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 702-385-5555 or at crimestoppersofnv.com/report-a-crime. Information can also be sent via text by sending “CRIMENV” and then your message to “CRIMES” (274637). Crime Stoppers offers a reward for information that leads to an arrest.
Funding for the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy used in this case was provided by NamUs, a national clearinghouse that assists the criminal justice community with the investigation and resolution of missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases across the United States and its territories. NamUs is funded and administered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and is managed through a contract with Research Triangle Institute International. We are grateful for the support of RTI, NamUs, and the NIJ.
The identification of Virgia Mae Jackson represents the 15th case in the State of Nevada where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Nevada cases.