TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2016) – University of South Florida forensic anthropologists will team up with artists from across the country to help solve 20 missing and unidentified persons cases during a special workshop the week of Oct. 17.
As part of the second annual event, some of the best forensic artists in the U.S. will spend a week inside a lab on the USF campus creating clay reconstructions of the victim’s faces, aiming to raise awareness and generate new leads in each case. The 20 cases include 12 from Florida, four from Pennsylvania, two from Kentucky, one from Missouri and one from Tennessee. New information in every case is also being presented. Last year’s inaugural event, which looked at nine cases, has already led to one person being identified. In July, human remains found in Polk County were identified as Jessica Rousseau.
Using the latest technology available, the work is led by the USF Institute for Forensic Anthropology & Applied Science (IFAAS), in conjunction with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), sheriff’s departments throughout the state of Florida and several other partners. IFAAS funding comes from the National Institute of Justice and private donations.
The forensic artists will create facial reconstructions from Oct. 17-21 in the lab of Dr. Erin Kimmerle, USF anthropologist and Director of IFAAS. The final busts will be revealed on Friday, Oct. 21 at the "Art of Forensics: Solving Florida’s Cold Cases" event at the Tampa Bay History Center in downtown Tampa.
The idea for the event was conceived by forensic artist Joe Mullins, who has worked for NCMEC for the past 15 years. He has created countless age progression photos of missing children, as well as hundreds of skull reconstructions. Mullins will lead the workshop in Kimmerle’s lab, and he will also speak on Friday. NCMEC has exclusively partnered with Kimmerle at USF to teach forensic imaging to law enforcement since 2007, resulting in the training of more than 200 artists from a dozen counties.
In addition to creating the facial reconstructions, throughout the week Kimmerle and her team will perform skeletal analysis and chemical isotope testing in an effort to help identify the victims. Several forensic scientists will also be there to share their expertise and conduct lab work for each case.
Anyone seeing news coverage of the event that can identify the busts or provide information about any of the cases, is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or submit tips here: https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=155&P3ID=155&DSID=155. Tips given directly to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest are eligible for a cash reward.
COLD CASE SUMMARIES
Case 1: Pinellas
County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: March 8, 2016
Recovery Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Synopsis: In March 2016, a landscaping crew discovered human remains in a wooded area near the V.A. Memorial Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. The remains are believed to be an older aged white male, approximately 5’8” - 6’1” tall. Analysis of his bones shows he was in poor health, with severe arthritis and a deformed left hip. He also shows healed injuries on his face, arms, and legs, with surgical intervention (i.e. metal plates) on right forearm. His cause and manner of death are unknown. A wrist watch was discovered with his remains. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate his geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth. Oxygen isotopes show that he likely grew up in the southeastern region of the U.S., from Texas to the east coast and from Georgia to central Florida. However, he may have resided north of this region (in the area of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and from southern Virginia to North Carolina) during the last decade of his life. Overall, it’s been concluded that he was born in the southeast U.S., but spent a considerable amount of time before his death outside of Florida.
USF #: 16-004C
Pinellas SO#: 16-97212
ME Case #: 5160407
NCIC #: U010025957
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/15482
If anyone has information, please contact: Det. Stephen Bergstrom, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, (727) 582-6140, sbergstrom@pcsonet.com.
Case 2: Hillsborough
County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: September 23, 1975
Recovery Location: Thonotosassa, Florida
Synopsis: In September 1975, a human cranium was discovered lying on the ground surface in an orange grove near the intersection of Timmons and Bessie Dix Roads in Thonotosassa, Florida. The remains are believed to be those of a 25 - 35 year old white female. She had one dental restoration and an impacted third molar. No personal effects were found with her remains. She is believed to be a victim of a homicide. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate her geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth.
USF #: 10-016C
Hillsborough SO #: 75-074391
ME Case #: 75-01398
NCIC #: U100016651
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/197
If anyone has information, please contact: Major Det. Greg Thomas, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, (813) 247-8678, gthomas@hcso.tampa.fl.us.
Case 3: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: May 24, 1985
Recovery Location: Adamsville, Florida
Synopsis: In May 1985, a witness discovered human remains on a vacant lot in an area known as Whiskey Stump near Adamsville, Florida. The remains are believed to be those of a 40 - 60 year old white male, approximately 5’6” - 5’10” tall. The man may have been homeless and appears to have died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. At discovery, he was wearing reddish-brown leather mid-top zipper boots, green pants, a western-style long-sleeved shirt, a white short-sleeved shirt and a leather jacket with a “Ranch Wear” label. Additionally, eyeglasses, a toiletry kit and a pack of Merit cigarettes were found with the man. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate his geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth. During the last decade of his life, he likely resided in the northeast U.S., possibly North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, westernmost Nebraska, central Utah, northern Nevada, Oregon or Washington. He moved to Florida shortly before his death.
USF #: 16-033C
Hillsborough SO#: 85-108327
ME Case #: 85-00441
NCIC #: U159599808
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/207
If anyone has information, please contact: Major Det. Greg Thomas, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, (813) 247-8678, gthomas@hcso.tampa.fl.us.
Case 4: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: April 29, 1995
Recovery Location: Tampa, Florida
Synopsis: In April 1995, fishermen discovered human remains in a wooded area just north of Bearss Avenue near the Ramada Inn in Tampa, Florida. The remains were located next to a makeshift shelter, possibly used by homeless individuals. The remains are believed to be those of a 60+ year old white male, approximately 5’3” - 5’8” tall. Clothing, bottles and other items were found in close proximity to the remains. Investigators at the time believed the man was homeless and may have been known as “Bob” who was last seen in October 1994. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate his geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth.
USF #: 10-031C
Hillsborough SO#: 95-035677
ME Case #: 95-02209
NCIC #: U160017288
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/191
If anyone has information, please contact: Major Det. Greg Thomas, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, (813) 247-8678, gthomas@hcso.tampa.fl.us.
Case 5: Tampa Police Department
Date of Death/Recovery: December 7, 1985
Recovery Location: Tampa, Florida
Synopsis: In December 1985, a passerby discovered human remains in a remote field used as an unauthorized trash dumping site in Tampa, Florida. The remains are believed to be those of a 20 - 30 year old petite black female, approximately 5’2” - 5’9” tall. She was found nude and her death was ruled a homicide. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate her geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth.
USF #: 16-024C
TPD #: 85-78437
ME Case #: 85-00945
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/206
If anyone has information, please contact: Sgt. Greg VanHeyst, Tampa Police Department, (813) 276-3559, Gregory.VanHeyst@tampagov.net.
Case 6: Tampa Police Department
Date of Death/Recovery: February 10, 1979
Recovery Location: Tampa, Florida
Synopsis: In February 1979, a fire was reported in an abandoned shed located in a vacant lot in downtown Tampa. After the fire was extinguished, human remains were discovered in the burned structure. The remains are believed to be those of a 20 - 35 year old black female, approximately 5’1” - 5’5” tall. She was found wearing a brown shirt. Cause and manner of death are unknown, but the death is treated as suspicious. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate her geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth. She likely spent the last decade of her life in the southeast U.S.
USF #: 10-017C
TPD #: 79-06710
ME Case #: 79-00154
NCIC #: U960016045
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/218
If anyone has information, please contact: Sgt. Greg VanHeyst, Tampa Police Department, (813) 276-3559, Gregory.VanHeyst@tampagov.net.
Case 7: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Date of Death/Recovery: August 26, 1983
Recovery Location: Crossville, Tennessee
Synopsis: In August 1983, human remains were discovered alongside a highway near Crossville in Cumberland County, Tennessee. The remains are believed to be those of a 17 - 21 year old black male, approximately 5’7” - 5’9” tall. He was found wearing blue jeans, a blue-gray t-shirt (size L) with the logo “I’m hers because she deserves the best” on the front.
USF #: 16-028C
ME Case #: 83-29F (A-918)
NCIC #: U650002098
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/1580
If anyone has information, please contact: Dr. Lee Jantz, Associate Director, Forensic Anthropology Center, University of Tennessee, (865) 974-4408, ljantz@utk.edu.
Case 8: Kentucky State Police
Date of Death/Recovery: May 6, 1999
Recovery Location: Eddyville, Kentucky
Synopsis: In May 1999, two fishermen discovered human remains floating in Lake Barkley in Lyon County, Kentucky. The body was fully clothed and wrapped in snow chains and electrical wire. The remains are believed to be those of a 35 - 50 year old white male, approximately 5’6” - 6’1” tall. His cause of death was unknown, but the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The man had extensive dental work, including a permanent bridge, gold and porcelain crowns, and numerous dental fillings. He also suffered a broken leg in life that had completely healed before his death. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate his geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth.
Clothing & Accessories Included: A white t-shirt (Size XL) front logo “No Fear Sports Bar” and back logo “No Fear Gear”; Blue jeans (Size 38x30); Blue and white nylon Starter windbreaker emblazoned with Dallas Cowboys logo; Green nylon Reebok jacket; White leather “Voit” tennis shoes (Size 10 ½); Black leather belt; Eight ton, blue hydraulic jack; Maroon sport shirt. There was also a tan and green blanket and a Blue Star Transportation band #0271668 located 20 feet from the body.
USF #: 16-010C
KSP #: 01-99-0902
ME Case #: 99-076
NCIC #: U210505581
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/75
If anyone has information, please contact: Detective Steven Silfies, Kentucky State Police, (270) 856-3721, Steven.Silfies@KY.gov.
Case 9: Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: January 18, 1993
Recovery Location: Frostproof, Florida
Synopsis: In January 1993, a body was discovered between two refrigeration units at the rear of a grocery store in Frostproof, Florida. The remains are believed to be those of an 18 - 25 year old Hispanic male, approximately 5’2” - 5’4” tall. The man had dark brown shoulder-length straight hair and a goatee. He was found wearing a light gray long-sleeved button up shirt, Levi’s jeans (size 30 x 30) and brown tennis shoes (size 7½ - 8). Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate his geographical origin: his strontium isotope is consistent with region of birth as Central America, most likely Mexico.
USF #: 16-023C
Polk SO #: 1993-7450
ME Case #: FA93-035
NCIC #: U705779083
NamUs #: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/10251
If anyone has information, please contact: Sgt. David Wallace, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, (863) 797-6586, DWallace@polksheriff.org.
Case 10: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: May 7, 1972
Recovery Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Synopsis: In May 1972, two witnesses discovered a body floating in a pond approximately three miles north of U.S. Hwy 92 near Daytona Beach, Florida. The body was found partially nude, wearing only a red and white striped knit shirt. The remains are believed to be those of a 13 - 14 year old white male, approximately 5’4” - 5’8” tall. His cause of death was multiple stab wounds, and his manner of death ruled a homicide. Numerous items were discovered near his body, including black shoes, brown socks, tweed pants, a blue jean jacket, a wallet containing $6.17 and a green Schwinn ten-speed bicycle. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate his geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth.
USF #: 16-019C
Volusia SO #: 72-0008227
ME Case #: 72-00087
NCIC #: U950028252
NamUs #: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/13620
If anyone has information, please contact: Investigator Joseph Mullin, District Seven Medical Examiner’s Office, (386) 258-4060, jmullin@Volusia.org.
Case 11: Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: November 5, 2015
Recovery Location: Ocklawaha, Florida
Synopsis: In November 2015, three fishermen walking through a rural wooded area discovered human remains near Ocklawaha, Florida. The remains are believed to be those of a 30 - 50 year old white male. He had very poor dental health, periodontal disease and numerous amalgam and composite dental restorations. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate his geographical origin: he was likely a foreign national. He probably grew up in Western Europe, the Middle East, or Australia, and only recently moved to Florida prior to his death.
USF #: 15-019C
Marion SO #: 15-038877
ME Case #: 2015-01349
NamUs #: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/15521
If anyone has information, please contact: Det. Shannon Wiles, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, (352) 368-3539, swiles@marionso.com.
Case 12: Pennsylvania State Police
Date of Death/Recovery: September 28, 1970
Recovery Location: Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Synopsis: In September 1970, the remains of a nude female were discovered dumped in a wooded area west of Interstate 81, near the Nuangola Exit in Rice Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The remains are believed to be those of a 25 - 40 year old black female, approximately 5’4” - 5’9” tall. On September 26, 2016, her remains were exhumed in Pennsylvania by personnel from IFAAS and the Pennsylvania State Police to perform forensic analyses.
USF#: 16-037C
PSP #: N01-6234
NamUs #: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/15853
If anyone has information, please contact: Cpl. Thomas C. McAndrew, Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit, Pennsylvania State Police (570) 459-3890, thmcandrew@pa.gov.
Case 13: Pennsylvania State Police
Date of Death/Recovery: August 9, 1973
Recovery Location: Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Synopsis: In August 1973, a motorist discovered human remains wrapped in a blanket and covered with sulfuric acid in a large cleared area north of Interstate 80 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The remains are believed to be those of 20 - 30 year old black female, approximately 4’10” - 5’2” tall. At discovery, she was wearing blue-green shorts, a pink blouse with white lace trim and blue slippers with a floral design. Her hair was pulled back into a two inch long ponytail and she had a partial upper dental plate. On September 26, 2016, her remains were exhumed in Pennsylvania by personnel from IFAAS and the Pennsylvania State Police to perform forensic analyses.
USF#: 16-038C
PSP #: S08-5332
NCIC#: U930004422
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/8924
If anyone has information, please contact: Cpl. Thomas C. McAndrew, Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit, Pennsylvania State Police (570) 459-3890, thmcandrew@pa.gov.
Case 14: Pennsylvania State Police
Date of Death/Recovery: January 1, 2016
Recovery Location: Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Synopsis: In January 2016, hikers walking in a wooded area along a trail in Ridley Creek State Park, Pennsylvania discovered human remains. The body was fully clothed in cold weather attire. The remains are believed to be those of a 25 - 40 year old white female, approximately 5’3” - 5’10” tall. Numerous items were discovered near her body, including a blanket, a box cutter, three rings, two backpacks, two pairs of shoes and two empty pill bottles. She is believed to have died sometime in 2014.
USF#: 16-042
PSP #: K02-2106302
ME Case #: 16-0006
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/14642
If anyone has information, please contact: Trooper Andrew Martin, Pennsylvania State Police, (215) 452-5216, amartin@ps.gov.
Case 15: Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: August 20, 2003
Recovery Location: Gainesville, Florida
Synopsis: In August 2003, the body of an infant was discovered in a pond in a residential neighborhood in Gainesville, Florida. The remains are believed to be those of a black female, around 40 weeks old (full term). Cause and manner of death is unknown. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate her geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth.
USF #: 16-016C
Alachua SO #: 03-9523
ME #: 03-336
NCIC #: U230004262
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/476
If anyone has information, please contact: Det. Kevin Allen, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, (352) 384-3323, kallen@alachuasheriff.org.
Case 16: Pasco County Sheriff’s Office/Florida Highway Patrol
Date of Death/Recovery: August 23, 1982
Recovery Location: Land O Lakes, Florida
Synopsis: In August 1982, a pedestrian was struck by an automobile along State Route 52 near Land O’Lakes, Florida. The pedestrian is believed to be a 40 - 60 year old white or Hispanic male, approximately 5’8” tall. He had medium long brown hair and gray/green eyes. He also had an appendectomy scar on his right abdomen and a vertical scar on his right thigh. At the time of death, he was wearing blue jeans, a plaid long-sleeve button-up shirt, a white t-shirt, white underwear, brown socks, brown work-style boots and was carrying a bag of grapefruit. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate his geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth.
USF #: 10-046C
FHP #: 782-28-031
ME #: 82-1506
NCIC #: U040022561
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/1271
If anyone has information, please contact: Sgt. Jason Hatcher, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, (727) 844-7723.
Case 17: Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: May 22, 2000
Recovery Location: Brooksville, Florida
Synopsis: In May 2000, a family discovered a human cranium in a wooded area along U.S. Hwy 19 near Brooksville, Florida. The remains are believed to be those of a 40+ year old black and/or American Indian male. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate his geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth.
USF #: 10-010C
Hernando SO #: 2000-08205
ME #: 2000-00559
NCIC #: U270023091
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/6044
If anyone has information, please contact: Det. George Loydgren, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, (352) 797-3714, GLoydgren@hernandosheriff.org.
Case 18: Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
Date of Death/Recovery: May 25, 1981
Recovery Location: Pulaski County, Missouri
Synopsis: In May 1981, two people discovered a body partially submerged in shallow water at a low water crossing in Pulaski County, Missouri. The remains are believed to be those of a 25 - 40 year old white or Hispanic female, approximately 5’1” - 5’5” tall. She had long black hair, brown eyes and a full upper dental plate. At discovery, she was wearing a dark blue long-sleeved blouse with white pinstripes (brand name “TRY 1”), blue jeans (brand name “In Gear”), blue underwear and a bra (with name “Jubel” or “Julie” written inside). Her cause of death was strangulation and manner of death was ruled a homicide. Chemical isotope testing was conducted to estimate her geographical origin: the strontium and lead isotope data are consistent with a local U.S. origin of birth. Oxygen isotopes show that she likely grew up in the southeastern region of the U.S., from Texas to the east coast and from Georgia to south Florida. She may have been living in Missouri for a few years prior to death.
USF #: 16-008C
Pulaski SO #: 1505-04264
ME #: A-12-81
NCIC #: U130026166
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/10222
If anyone has information, please contact: Det. DJ Renno, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, (573) 774-6196, drenno@pcsheriff2.com.
Case 19: Tampa Police Department
Date of Death/Recovery: October 21, 1993
Recovery Location: Tampa, Florida
Synopsis: In October 1993, a body was discovered underneath 11 bags of stucco mix in a warehouse in Tampa, Florida. The warehouse was known to be frequented by homeless individuals. The remains are believed to be those of a 35 - 50 year old white male, approximately 5’3” - 5’10” tall. He had dark straight hair. At discovery, he was found wearing a long-sleeved yellow shirt and pants. The cause and manner of death are unknown.
USF #: 10-029C
Tampa PD#: 93-070517
ME #: 93-01284
NCIC #: U711468860
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/192
If anyone has information, please contact: Det. Scott Bullard, Tampa Police Department, (813) 276-3574, Scott.bullard@tampagov.net.
Case 20: Pennsylvania State Police
Date of Death/Recovery: May 28, 1979
Recovery Location: Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Case Synopsis: In May 1979, two witnesses walking to a fishing spot in a remote wooded area discovered a body near the bottom of an embankment in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It is believed the individual died approximately 10 - 14 days prior to being found. The remains are believed to be those of a 15 - 20 year old white male, approximately 5’8” - 6’0” tall. He was found wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, tan trousers with white pinstripes, white underwear, black socks, black shoes, a silver bracelet (with “Vedon” on the clasp) and a 14k gold ring (with serpent design) on his right little finger. His cause of death was gunshot wound and manner of death was ruled homicide. On September 26, 2016, his remains were exhumed in Pennsylvania by personnel from IFAAS and the Pennsylvania State Police to perform forensic analyses.
USF #: 16-039C
Pennsylvania SP#: P01-58063
ME #: A-22-79
NCIC #: U854801277
NamUs: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/15764
If anyone has information, please contact: Trooper Stephen P. Polishan, Pennsylvania State Police, (570) 697-2000, spolishan@pa.gov.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2015) - Imagine trying to identify a homicide victim based on a brand of jeans, how tall someone stood or the coins found in their pockets. The task is near impossible, and sometimes it prevents identification altogether, leaving the case cold for decades.
The hope of solving more of these cold cases is why artists from across the country came to work with the FL Institute for Forensic Anthropology & Applied Science (IFAAS) at the University of South Florida this past week. They created facial reconstructions of nine cold case victims in conjunction with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Florida Sheriff’s Association. These cases from throughout Florida consist of two juveniles and seven adults. The oldest case dates back to 1967.
The artists were each assigned a cold case victim and a 3D printed skull, which were created by Dr. Erin Kimmerle, USF anthropologist and Director of IFAAS, and her forensics team by scanning the original skulls, and printing 3D replicas at the USF Visualization Center.
The replicated plastic skulls provided the artists information they needed to sculpt the likeness of the victim. The forensic artists are trained to know the anatomy of the human face, and the bone structure will dictate the final product including the eyebrows, lip shape and eyes.
The idea of pairing 3D printed skulls with a team of artists first was conceived by forensic artist Joe Mullins, who has worked for NCMEC for the past 15 years. Mullins has created countless age progression photos of missing children, as well as hundreds of skull reconstructions on his own. However, it took him eight years to get outside artists involved because medical examiners prohibited the artists from using real skulls from crime scenes. Mullins decided to incorporate 3D printing into the mix, and the first event using this technology took place in New York in Jan. 2015. Video from this event can be found here.
Mullins’s connection with Kimmerle is what sparked this second event at USF, titled “The Art of Forensics: Solving Florida’s Cold Cases”.
This past week, forensic artists worked in Kimmerle’s lab at USF. The final products were revealed, along with updated information about the victim’s age, ancestry and geographic origins at a press conference held on Friday at the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building.
In addition to creating the facial reconstructions, Dr. Kimmerle and her team performed skeletal analysis and chemical isotope testing in an effort to help identify the victims. Several forensic scientists at the workshop also shared their expertise and conducted lab work on each of the cases. There was also a demonstration of the latest GPS mapping technology of unsolved cold case locations throughout Florida.
Keynote speakers for the event included Thirteenth Judicial
Circuit State Attorney Mark A. Ober, and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. Additional guest speakers included Dr. Erin
Kimmerle and USF Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Eric Eisenberg. Download a copy of the event program here.
The goal of IFAAS, NCMEC and the sheriff’s offices is to identify the victims, solve the crimes and help family and friends of the victims find closure. Anyone seeing news coverage of the event who can identify the busts or provide information about these or other cold cases, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or submit your tip here: https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=155&P3ID=155&DSID=155 Tips given directly to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest are eligible for a cash reward.
While the Art of Forensics event is only open to invited media, the busts will be moved after the Oct. 16 event for public display at:
The Richard A. and Patricia P. Waterman Gallery
Department of Anthropology
College of Arts and Sciences
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Ave., SOC111
Tampa, FL 33620
Case Synopsis:
Case 1 USF10-006 Artist Profile
Case 1: Pasco County Sheriff's Office/Dade City Police Department
USF10-006
Dade City Case No.: 1981-057
ME Case No.: 303-81
NamUs.gov link: https://identifyus.org/cases/2307
Year of Death: 1981
Approximate Age: 40-50 years
READ CASE 1 NOTES HERE.
Case Synopsis:
Case 2 USF11-002 Artist Profile
Case 2: Pasco County Sheriff's Office
USF11-002
PSO Case No.: 90-0905
ME Case No.: 90-23505
NCIC No.: U449939209
NamUs.gov link: https://identifyus.org/cases/2308
Year of Death: 1990
Approximate Age: 40-60 years
Approximate Years of Birth: ca. 1930-1950s
READ CASE 2 NOTES HERE.
Case Synopsis:
Case 3 USF15-010 Artist Profile
Case 3: Hernando County Sheriff's Office
USF15-010
HCSO Case No.: 72-06053
ME Case No.: 2015-00893
NamUs.gov link: https://identifyus.org/cases/6043/
Year of Death: 1972
Approximate Age: 25-40 years
Approximate Years of Birth: ca. 1930-1950s
READ CASE 3 NOTES HERE.
Case Synopsis:
Case 4 USF09-002 Artist Profile
Case 4: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
USF09-002
HCSO Case No.: 2009-146233
ME Case No.: ME09-01777
NCIC No.: U630022398
NamUs.gov link: https://identifyus.org/cases/4976
Year of Death: 2009
Approximate Age: 12-16 years
Approximate Years of Birth: ca. 1990s
READ CASE 4 NOTES HERE.
Case Synopsis:
Case 5 USF15-007 Artist Profile
Case 5: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
USF15-007
HCSO Case No.: 88-019276
ME Case No.: MEA-220-88
NCIC No.: U293390463
NamUs.gov link: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/201
Year of Death: 1988
Approximate Age: 30-40 years
Approximate Years of Birth: ca. 1950-1960s
READ CASE 5 NOTES HERE.Case Synopsis:
Case 6 USF15-011 Artist Profile
Case 6: Polk County Sheriff's Office - IDENTIFIED (JESSICA ROUSSEAU)
USF15-011
PCSO Case No.: 2015-12901
ME Case No.: 2015-10-FA-0162
NamUs.gov link: https://identifyus.org/cases/14112
Year of Death: 2014-2015
Approximate Age: 30-45 years
Approximate Years of Birth: 1970-1985
READ CASE 6 NOTES HERE.
Case Synopsis:
Case 7 USF15-0013 Artist Profile
Case 7: Alachua County Sheriff's Office
USF15-013
ACSO Case No.: 79-002218
ME Case No.: 78-79
Year of Death: 1978
Approximate Age: 30-45 years
Approximate Years of Birth: ca. 1930-40s
READ CASE 7 NOTES HERE.
Case Synopsis:
Case 8 USF15-017 Artist Profile
Case 8: Alachua County Sheriff's Office/Florida Highway Patrol
USF15-017
ACSO Case No.: / FHP 787-11-35
NamUs.gov link: https://identifyus.org/cases/474
Year of Death: 1987
Approximate Age: 15-19 years
Approximate Years of Birth: ca. 1968-1972
READ CASE 8 NOTES HERE.
Case Synopsis:
Case 9 USF15-016 Artist Profile
Case 9: Marion County Sheriff's Office
USF15-016
MCSO Case No.: 67-50478
ME Case No.: 67-2066
NamUs.gov link: https://identifyus.org/cases/6053
Year of Death: 1967
Approximate Age: 25-40
Approximate Years of Birth: ca. 1935-1940s
READ CASE 9 NOTES HERE.
After completion of the bust, the Marion County Sheriff's Office compiled a video to further help identify their "Jane Doe." View the video here.
