CA CA - Palmdale, WhtFem UP4434, 16-24, skeletal remains in canyon wash, Jan'78

[theshadow45]

The 45th anniversary of Palmdale Jane Doe’s discovery passed recently.

 

[heartanium]

Looking at the shoe Doe was wearing, it the chain that sold it (Boys Market) was a local Southern California chain started in 1925 by the Goldstein brothers in East Los Angeles. In 1985 they had 42 Southern California stores, and I'm unsure if they expanded outside of the area.

The Southwest Wave, 1951


Either way, I think Doe is probably local to Southern California

 

[heartanium]

09 January 1978 - The Daily Press, pg 3

 

[Daphne1972]

Her location immediately made me think of Rodney Alcala.

 

[Daphne1972]

09 January 1978 - The Daily Press, pg 3
View attachment 395960

Thx for digging this up. The related websites don't mention the exact location.

 

[Daphne1972]

Do we have a picture of the skull?

 

[LinasK]

I was thinking same thing. Also, is it just me or was California in the late 70's-80's a hot bed for serial killers?

There were several serial killers in LA in the 70's & 80's: William Richard Bradford, the Hillside Stranglers, Rodney Alcala, and Charles Rathbun to name a few.

 

[wary]

There were several serial killers in LA in the 70's & 80's: William Richard Bradford, the Hillside Stranglers, Rodney Alcala, and Charles Rathbun to name a few.

Bittaker & Norris, William Bonin, Randy Kraft

 

[Daphne1972]

Bittaker & Norris, William Bonin, Randy Kraft

Sure but imo this reeks like Alcala.

 

[theshadow45]

Palmdale Jane Doe has been unidentified for 46 years today.

 

[Romulus]

612UFCA- Unidentified Female​

Decedent's shoe (only one shoe was found); necklace; pants.

Date of Discovery: January 7, 1978
Location of Discovery: Los Angeles County, California
Estimated Date of Death: 1978
State of Remains: Skeletal
Cause of Death: Unknown

Physical Description​

Estimated Age: 16-24 years old
Race: White
Gender: Female
Height: 5'5" to 5'8"
Weight: Unknown
Hair Color: Light-brown to blonde
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Unknown

Identifiers​

Dentals: Available. Extensive dental work.
Fingerprints: Not available.
DNA: Sample submitted - Status of tests unknown.

Clothing & Personal Items​

Clothing: Levi's style jeans, size on tag says 7-28; One brown wedge sandal.
Jewelry: Necklace.
Additional Personal Items: A metal button was found at the scene.

Circumstances of Discovery​

The decedent's skeletal remains were located by a hiker in a canyon, half a mile from the road.

Investigating Agency(s)​

Agency Name: Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner
Agency Contact Person: Betsy Magdaleno, Coroner Investigator, Identifications
Agency Phone Number: 323-343-0512
Agency E-Mail: IDunit(at)coroner.lacounty.gov
Agency Case Number: 1978-00342

Agency Name: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Homicide/Cold Case Unit
Agency Contact Person: Unknown
Agency Phone Number: 323-890-5500
Agency E-Mail: homicideops(at)lasd.org
Agency Case Number: 1978-00217-1194-497

NCIC Case Number: U850021121
NamUs Case Number: UP4434

Information Source(s)​

NamUs
Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Homicide/Cold Case Unit

612UFCA

Admin Notes​

Added: 06/05/2008; Last Updated: 07/08/2022