350UFNC - Unidentified Female

Reconstructions of the decedent; necklace found with the remains.

Date of Discovery: July 24, 1997
Location of Discovery: Sherrill's Ford, Catawba County, North Carolina
Estimated Date of Death: 3-9 days prior
State of Remains: Not recognizable - Decomposing/putrefaction
Cause of Death: Unknown

Physical Description

Estimated Age: 30-50 years old
Race: Asian
Sex: Female
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 80 lbs.
Hair Color: Dark, straight with gray.
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Her ears were pierced three times. No tattoos or obvious scars were noted. Negative toxicology results.

Identifiers

Dentals: Available. Teeth 1, 16, 18, 32 are missing. Teeth 3, 15, 30 have restorations.
Fingerprints: Unknown. Prints might be on file with the NC SBI.
DNA: Available.
Additional identifiers: : Head, chest and abdominal x-rays are available.

Clothing & Personal Items

Clothing: Unknown
Jewelry: Gold chain necklace with pearls on it.
Additional Personal Items: White striped elastic hairband worn in hair.

Circumstances of Discovery

A boater spotted the woman's body in a cove a half-mile north of the N.C. 150 bridge in Lake Norman near the Catawba-Iredell county line.

Investigating Agency(s)

Agency Name: North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Agency Contact Person: Clyde Gibbs
Agency Phone Number: 800-672-7024
Agency E-Mail: cgibbs(at)ocme.unc.edu
Agency Case Number: 97-5002

Agency Name: Catawba County Sheriff's Office
Agency Contact Person: Sgt. Michael Hoyle
Agency Phone Number: 828-466-7246
Agency E-Mail: michaelhoyle(at)catawbacountync.gov
Agency Case Number: 1997-02338

NCIC Case Number: U048657871n
NamUs Case Number: 2818

Information Source(s)

NamUs
Catawba County Sheriff's Department
WBTV-News
The Charlotte Observer - Jul. 29, 1997 & Jun. 4, 1999

Admin Notes

Added: Prior to 2013; Last Updated: 8/3/22