I was trying to keep this off WS in the hope I'd be able to share a positive ID (and because of the TOS, I try to keep rule-breaking off the website so as not to get the boot...) but it's not been a quick process. Lots of speculation and unnecessary doubling of research here, and I'm not sure if anyone else has contacted any authorities, so I figure it's time to post before an unintentional bombardment ensues.
I've been in contact with a relative of Dorothy's. He only met her a few times when he was young, but he remembers she always lived in mental hospitals and he believes this UID is likely her. She was the daughter of Frank (of Italy/PA/NY), who was married to Elizabeth and Anna. The relative is willing to help identify her (i.e. DNA, if it comes down to that and it's a possibility). We also spoke about getting her a proper headstone when she is officially ID'd.
I've also been in touch with the ME on her case. She is absolutely swamped with work (I think there are pandemic-related staffing issues and/or an increase in cases due to covid deaths) but she is determined to call around and figure out what records are accessible for matching.
I connected the relative and the ME, and I am looped out of any further correspondence between them.
On a personal note, I keep a sticky note on my desk at work about Dorothy. Before even my own relatives, she was the first person I searched for in the 1950 census when it became public (I passed the record on to the ME a few months ago). The brutality of Dorothy's death is magnified by her disabilities -- her scars tell the story of a difficult life. I'd love to see renewed media attention and perhaps new testing of the evidence, if any is left.
I also wonder if there is any connection between this murder and another Philadelphia Jane Doe. Something about it just sticks in my mind.
**PM photos**
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