Identified...Identified...Identified
Artist digital renderings by NCMEC; Clay reconstruction by FBI; Reconstruction; Photo of possible decedent taken the summer prior to death at Greater Peace Church
Date of Discovery: January 28, 2012
Location of Discovery: Opelika, Lee County, Alabama
Estimated Date of Death: 8 months to 2 years prior
State of Remains: Not recognizable - Partial skeletal parts only
Cause of Death: Homicide
Estimated Age: 3-7 years old
Race: Black
Sex: Female
Height: Unknown
Weight: Unknown
Hair Color: Black, medium length, styled in small tight curls
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Noticeable scar or defect over and around her left eye
Dentals: Unknown
Fingerprints: Unavailable
DNA: Available
Clothing: Near the remains was a long-sleeve pink shirt with heart buttons and small ruffles near the neckline.
Jewelry: None
Additional Personal Items: None
A resident found the partial skull of a child in a vacant lot behind Brook Haven Trailer Park. A few days later investigators found the lower jaw, other skeletal remains, and some hair in a wooded area by a creek near the trailer park about 20-50 yards away from where the skull was found.
According to the autopsy, the bones belonged to a malnourished female between the ages of 4-7 years of age. The report also stated that she had received repeated physical abuse including broken bones, fractures, and other injuries that didn't appear to have been medically treated. Apparent abuse to her left eye would have left the eye blind and scarred. Medical experts believe the injury to her eye could have occured months to a year prior to her death. The injury was visible to anyone who interacted with the girl.
Isotope testing results suggested that the decedent may have been from Northern or Central Florida, Central or Eastern Texas, Southern Oklahoma, the southern tip of Arkansas, Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, or South Carolina. The level of lead isotopes also suggested when she was between 1-3 years old she may have lived in an area where she was exposed to high lead levels before moving to a location where there was no lead exposure.
Investigators also have reason to believe the girl may be from Orlando, or have ties to the Orlando area, after receiving recent tips.
Authorities received a tip in 2016 that the decedent may have attended Vacation Bible School at Greater Peace Church in Opelika in 2011. No one at the church remember's her name and there aren't any records of attendees. Detectives believe her killer likely has ties to the area.
Agency Name: Lee County Coroner's Office
Agency Contact Person: Bill Harris
Agency Phone Number: 334-737-3630
Agency E-Mail: Unknown
Agency Case Number: 201243390001
Agency Name: Opelika Police Department
Agency Contact Person: Alfred White, Sgt.
Agency Phone Number: 334-705-5200
Agency E-Mail: Unknown
Agency Case Number: 12000847
NCIC Case Number: Unknown
NCMEC Case Number: 1197223
NamUs Case Number: 9834
NamUs
NCMEC
Opelika-Auburn News May 7, 2020
WRBL/CBS - October 9, 2021
Added: 10/11/20; Last Updated: 10/10/21
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information may be estimated.
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