Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Teams with Othram to Identify a 2001 Homicide Victim

After more than two decades, a murdered woman's remains found in Las Vegas, Nevada, have been identified as Virgia Mae Jackson.
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Published January 22 by Michael Vogen
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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.

Help fund another case Your contributions pay for lab supplies and research tools

Michael Vogen

Michael Vogen

Director of Case Management

2829 Technology Forest Blvd Suite 100, The Woodlands, Texas 77381
media@othram.com

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.

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About Othram Inc.

Othram is the world’s first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence. Othram’s scientists are experts at ... Read morerecovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace quantities of degraded or contaminated materials. Founded in 2018, and located in The Woodlands, Texas, our team works with academic researchers, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies to achieve results when other approaches have failed. Follow Othram on Twitter @OthramTech or visit Othram.com to learn how we can help you with your case. With dnasolves.com anyone can make a difference and help solve the next cold case.