Finally Identified!!!!
Doris Joanne GIRTZ
The Pennsylvania State Police Troop H - Newport Station has identified human remains from 1979.
On June 20, 1979, human skeletal remains were discovered along Route 322 Eastbound, Watts Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania, approximately 1/4 mile east of the Midway exit.
The remains were severely decomposed, mostly skeletonized, and located over an embankment approximately along the shore of the Juniata River.
Various methods were used to identify the deceased; however, all were unsuccessful.
The deceased was thereafter referred to as Jane DOE. Jane DOE was determined to be a female, roughly 15-30 years of age, 5’2”-5’9” tall, of slim build (105-125lbs), with brownish blonde hair.
Over the past 46 years, investigators continued to reevaluate the DOE case as technology and investigative avenues evolved, however all were unsuccessful. Recent advancements in DNA analysis and genetic genealogy prompted investigative action in 2023.
In May 2023, with the assistance of a local dentist, two of DOE’s molars were collected for DNA analysis.
In July 2023, funding was obtained by the Perry County District Attorney’s Office to facilitate a genetic genealogy study conducted by Othram Labs, based in Houston, Texas.
As a result, a distant family member to DOE was identified.
Troopers then traveled to the area of Ravenna, OH where they conducted interviews of and collected DNA from additional family members. The additional DNA samples were then processed by Othram Labs.
As a result of the work performed by Othram Labs and the unrelenting efforts of investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop H, Newport Station, and the Troop H, Criminal Investigations Section, DOE was positively identified as Doris Joanne GIRTZ, originally of Ravenna/Streetsboro, OH.
Doris GIRTZ would have been approximately 23 years old at the time of her disappearance.
The cause and manner of GIRTZ’s death remain under active investigation.
Anyone familiar with GIRTZ during the years of 1977-1979 or with information relating to her associations, her disappearance or her death are asked to contact the PSP Newport Station at 717-567-3110 or PSP Tips 1-800-472-8477 or online at
https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107
All callers to PSP Tips could be eligible for a CASH REWARD for information that leads to an arrest, the solving of a crime/cold case or the location of a wanted person/fugitive or missing person.
All information is accurate as of Release Date and is subject to change or updated.
Media Release #5114
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store.othram.com
www.missingkids.org
