The Doe Network:
Case File 452UFCA

1
Reconstruction of Victim by Barbara A. Martin

Unidentified White Female

Vital Statistics

  • Estimated age: 24 - 33 years old
  • Approximate Height and Weight: 5'8; 110-120 lbs.
  • Distinguishing Characteristics: Brown, medium-length hair; brown eyes. Appendectomy scar; wore contact lenses. Prior pregnancy. Toenails painted a reddish-pink. Toxicology tests show she had cocaine in her system at the time of her death.
  • Dentals: Available. Had previous dental work done; missing teeth in upper right molar region and had several fillings. Once wore braces.
  • Clothing: Wearing light blue homemade dress (short sleeved with ties at neck in the front and ties at waist in the back), considered out-of-date; bra (size 34B); slip; panties; inexpensive high-heel, open-toed strap shoes (black leather, size 8).
  • Fingerprints: Not Available
  • DNA: Available

Case History
The victim was located in the 16300 block of Burbank Boulevard, in an isolated area of the Sepulveda flood control basin in Van Nuys. She was wrapped in blankets and a blue plastic tarp. Strangled, her arms cleanly cut off at the elbows, she had been dead two weeks to three weeks when her killer, or killers, dumped her body in the park off Burbank Boulevard just east of Havenhurst Avenue. By removing her hands, the killer ensured there would be no fingerprints.
Jane Doe 53 - the 53rd unidentified female corpse in the county in 1987 - was released to the morgue for cremation August 17, 1987.
Because of the tools used and the precision of the mutilation of her limbs, Jane Doe 53's case is similar to the deaths of six other Southern California women, although police haven't been able to make any definite connection.

Investigators
If you have any information about this case please contact:
Los Angeles Police Department
Cold Case Homicide Unit
Detective Flores
213-847-0970
You may remain anonymous when submitting information.

Agency Case Number: 87-09-26786

NCIC Number:
U-170004894
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

Source Information:
Los Angeles Police Department
LA Daily News

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