Identified! TX - Huntsville, 'Walker County Jane Doe', WhtFem 14-16, 91UFTX, Nov'80 #4 Sherry Ann Jarvis

[Oakie]

I suspect that the witness at the convenience store was mistaken in her identification. I don't know if this girl's story will ever come out, but if it does, we might find it to be quite different from the one we have constructed (speculatively) for her.

 

[mastiphal25]

You got to understand the family's wishes for privacy and time to mourn. However as a sleuther this comes out as bittersweet. No information which agency that worked her case, no publicity or press conference about the resolution and neither a photo or a name of her as a living person. It's like she never even existed in the first place.

Well, her family doesn't want publicity, which is understandable, but I'm sure we will get to know her name and see a photo. Just not now. It's only been a month since they learned the bitter truth and they will give the LE (or the lab who did the testing) the green light once they're ready

 

[wary]

Very pleased to see find out that the girl known as walker county jane doe murdered 41 years ago has finally been identified. I've never posted in this thread before but I've been following it for years.

You got to understand the family's wishes for privacy and time to mourn. However as a sleuther this comes out as bittersweet. No information which agency that worked her case, no publicity or press conference about the resolution and neither a photo or a name of her as a living person. It's like she never even existed in the first place.

I hope that, after an appropriate amount of time, her name is released. Can anyone point to a case where a murder victim’s identity has been permanently withheld? (I know there have been cases where it’s been temporarily withheld, as LE continued to investigate.)

And I’m reminded of what I think was one of the first genetic genealogy identifications—‘Buckskin Jane Doe,’ and how the family released that vibrantly beautiful picture of how she had been in life. Her family honored her by doing that.

 

[Alleykins]

I hope that, after an appropriate amount of time, her name is released. Can anyone point to a case where a murder victim’s identity has been permanently withheld? (I know there have been cases where it’s been temporarily withheld, as LE continued to investigate.)

And I’m reminded of what I think was one of the first genetic genealogy identifications—‘Buckskin Jane Doe,’ and how the family released that vibrantly beautiful picture of how she had been in life. Her family honored her by doing that.

RBBM for focus.
I agree. Her family acted with such dignity and grace.

 

[carbuff]

It's common for the name to be withheld if there's no crime involved (suicide victims especially). It's also common for a name to be withheld during a criminal investigation, which is clearly the case here. But I'd expect the name, at least, would eventually be released if there are charges brought or the case is otherwise closed.

 

[Springrain]

Maybe there'll be a PC on the 41st anniversary (next Monday)?

 

[CarlK90245]

I know of several cases where the name wasn't released in a homicide case after positive ID was verified. A couple of cases that come to mind are Harper Jane Doe, and the woman in Philadelphia who fell from the pickup truck, and the driver left the scene (both DNADoeProject cases). I don't know why in either case the names have been withheld, but my gut feeling (not based on any first-hand knowledge) is that they will eventually put out some info in this case.

I am as antsy about sitting on the information as everyone else is to learn it.

 

[wary]

It's common for the name to be withheld if there's no crime involved (suicide victims especially). It's also common for a name to be withheld during a criminal investigation, which is clearly the case here. But I'd expect the name, at least, would eventually be released if there are charges brought or the case is otherwise closed.

Or even, or especially, if the case isn’t closed? Family members don’t always know what friends are out there, and people’s best friends don’t always know ALL a person’s friends.

 

[carbuff]

Just wanted to say how proud I am of you, @CarlK90245 , for all the good things you do and the integrity you bring to every case. I know it's not easy for you. But thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

 

[Sweetluv]

Carbuff..well said!

 

[aThousandYearsWide]

Releasing a photo and name might jog some memories to some people that knew her and could give some insight to her last days. Could they have a suspect in mind after identifying her? Like if she ran away with a boyfriend and they are now investigating him or tracking him down? I don't know for sure but it seems homicide victims with names withheld they already have an idea about who the killer might be.

I also don't agree with Henry Lee Lucas being a suspect at all. I don't like the idea to label Henry or Ottis Toole the perpetrator just because of their excessive lying about being responsible to any case presented to them. I need more evidence of their involvement other than their word alone. Speaking of that I have my doubts Ottis was responsible for Adam Walsh.

 

[rosesfromangels]

Just wanted to say how proud I am of you, @CarlK90245 , for all the good things you do and the integrity you bring to every case. I know it's not easy for you. But thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

I echo that sentiment Carbuff. I've watched Carl do some amazing work over the years I have been a member of WS. Carl is a giver, and we are blessed he shares his gift for those who have no voice.

 

[oviedo]

I know of several cases where the name wasn't released in a homicide case after positive ID was verified. A couple of cases that come to mind are Harper Jane Doe, and the woman in Philadelphia who fell from the pickup truck, and the driver left the scene (both DNADoeProject cases). I don't know why in either case the names have been withheld, but my gut feeling (not based on any first-hand knowledge) is that they will eventually put out some info in this case.

I am as antsy about sitting on the information as everyone else is to learn it.

I have mixed feelings as I’ve followed this little one from afar- if it were my sister I’m not sure I would ever want her name released but if there was a chance her killer might be found I would want that so much- I so respect your work and understand just a bit of how difficult this must be for all

 

[Paul B.]

Also she won’t have been this arsehole’s first kill - or his last.

 

[Tahlia Woodson]

Maybe there'll be a PC on the 41st anniversary (next Monday)?

I think there could be something on the anniversary, considering there have been some cases ID'd with genetic genealogy that were announced shortly after the anniversary (like Alisha Heinrich or Margaret Fetterolf). However I still want the family to have peace first before anything gets released, don't want to rush them.

 

[jsto240]

There should be decency laws to prohibit, or at least limit post mortem pictures. With the technologies available to us today, excellent renderings of the decedent can be created. We need to protect their dignity in death.
MOO.

Amateur opinion and speculation

I entirely understand your point, however I simply love postmortem photos and find them fascinating. Call it morbid curiosity.

 

[squish]

On the WCJD Facebook page there were horrible comments made about the family, accusing them of not trying hard enough to find her. (Luckily these commenters were condemned by the majority). Along with their overwhelming grief and horror, the knowledge that they may be harassed like this won’t be encouraging the family to come forward.

She was a runaway and reported missing, but the missing persons report never went further than the local police, who were not in Texas. (All this info is publicly available on the Facebook page). The family did care and WCJD was loved and missed.

 

[Tahlia Woodson]

On the WCJD Facebook page there were horrible comments made about the family, accusing them of not trying hard enough to find her. (Luckily these commenters were condemned by the majority). Along with their overwhelming grief and horror, the knowledge that they may be harassed like this won’t be encouraging the family to come forward.

She was a runaway and reported missing, but the missing persons report never went further than the local police, who were not in Texas. (All this info is publicly available on the Facebook page). The family did care and WCJD was loved and missed.

Unfortunately the family will probably get more criticism if her name gets released because the commenters will know who to target. So they'll have to deal with the loss of their girl and accusers.

 

[Paul B.]

It makes you wonder how many people even remember how fragmented connection and communication things were before the web? These jackels should.

 

[Triss]

Unfortunately the family will probably get more criticism if her name gets released because the commenters will know who to target. So they'll have to deal with the loss of their girl and accusers.

Yes, unfortunately we've already seen it happen. Marcia King, Lyle Stevik, Jason Callahan, Pam Buckley and Jim Freund are just a few examples of formerly unidentified people whose families were harrassed and accused of not looking hard enough for them. Some people just love being judgemental.