LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Investigators hope that a new rendering of a child’s remains found by Southern Nevada hikers can help solve a case that’s remained unsolved for close to 20 years.
On February 5, 1995, near an old sand mine in the Overton area, two hikers went into a cave and encountered a skull. Investigators determined the skull belonged to a girl between 3 to 7 years old.
Investigators determined that the skull was from a recent death, despite the area being a known area for Native American burial grounds. The case has remained in the federal National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
Recently, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s office sent photos of the skull and details of the case to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
A team of forensic artists and forensic anthropologists worked to refine a lifelike rendering of the child dubbed “Jane Overton Doe.”
Years ago, forensic artists needed the remains to reconstruct a face. Now, with a CT scan and photos, artists can use technology to their advantage to increase the accuracy of the images.
“We try to get as many eyes on it as possible within the organization, law enforcement, the medical examiner, before the public sees the image,” said Colin McNally of the forensic imaging unit at NCMEC, who spent 15 hours working on the image for Jane Overton Doe. Artists also have a background in forensic anthropology.
“I have to note how important it is for us to eliminate as much bias as possible and make sure that we’re putting out the best possible image,” McNally said. “At the end of the day, we aren’t just trying to produce a nice-looking rendering. We’re trying to be as accurate as possible,” he said.
“It’ll draw attention and be a beacon of hope for people that might be interested in the case, and at the end of the day, try to draw in as many leads as possible,” McNally said.
Anyone with information can contact the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office at (702)455-3210, reference case number 95-00523.
You can also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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