Reconstruction of the victim.
Reconstruction of the victim.
Date of Discovery: August 28, 1981
Location of Discovery: Thirsk, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Estimated Date of Death: One to two years prior.
State of Remains: Heavily decomposed; mostly skeletonized
Cause of Death: Undetermined, suspected to be homicide
Estimated Age: 35 - 45 years old
Race: White
Sex: Female
Height: 157 to 160 cm (5'2" to 5'4")
Weight: Thin build
Hair: Dark brown, cut short. No evidence of color treatment.
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Healed right ankle fracture; may have suffered back and neck problems as the result of an abnormality located in the upper vertebrae; deviated septum. Toenails painted a light pink color with MaxFactor polish. It is believed she had given birth two to three times. She possibly had a history of smoking and/or drinking.
Dentals:Available. Full upper denture present. Six teeth remained in the lower jaw.
Fingerprints:Not available.
DNA:Available.
Clothing: No clothing located.
Jewelry: None.
Additional Personal Items: Unknown.
The woman's naked body was found near the side of a road near Sutton Bank in Thirsk, Northern Yorkshire. The remains were hidden by plant growth. A lid from a canned food item was located under the remains was sold on October 6, 1979.
It was noted that there was evidence that someone had recently walked to the location and left before the police arrived. A half-mile away, a black nightgown, bra, and pants were discovered hanging in a tree; these were unable to be linked to the deceased woman.
A man reported to have been riding a horse near the area in 1979 and noticed a strong odor. He did not investigate further, as he suffered an injury that day and did not return.
The Ripon Police Station was alerted to the location by an unknown, "well-spoken" male caller. The caller declined to give his name, citing "the interests of national security." Efforts are still being made to locate him.
Based on the poor care and staining on the teeth, police believe it is quite possible she was of low socioeconomic status. She may have lived a transient lifestyle, including that of a sex worker.
After remaining unidentified for months, a wax reconstruction was created circa November 1981.
She was buried in Malton Cemetery, where her remains were later exhumed to obtain DNA information, which proved successful.
Testing on her bones suggested she spent about the first seven years of her life, she resided in an area with high flouride levels in the drinking water, perhaps the towns of Hartlepool or Grimsby.
It was previously considered that the woman's body belonged to Mary Flanagan, however, this potential lead was later excluded.
She is known by the nickname "Nude in the Nettles," despite her remains being covered by willows. Although it is unknown how she died, it is believed she was murdered.
Agency Name: NCA Missing Persons Unit
Agency Phone Number: 0800 234 6034
Agency E-Mail Public: ukmpu@nca.x.gsi.gov.uk
Agency E-Mail Police: ukmpu@nca.pnn.police.uk
Agency Case Number: 06-023693
National Crime Agency
Daily Mirror
BBC News (1/10/12)
BBC News (3/12/12)
Yorkshire Post
Wikipedia
Added:6/18/15; Last Updated:3/27/22
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information may be estimated.
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