Reconstruction by NCMEC, Erin H. Kimmerle, and Joanna J. Hughes; enhanced image of necklace found near remains; crime scene photographs of jewelry, shoe, and clothing fragment.
Identified...Identified...Identified
Reconstruction by NCMEC, Erin H. Kimmerle, and Joanna J. Hughes; enhanced image of necklace found near remains; crime scene photographs of jewelry, shoe, and clothing fragment.
Date of Discovery: April 3, 1985
Location of Discovery: Jellico, Campbell County, Tennessee
Estimated Date of Death: 1-4 years prior
State of Remains: Partial skeletal
Cause of Death: Undetermined, suspected homicide
Estimated Age: 9-15 years old
Race: White
Sex: Female
Height: Unknown
Weight: Unknown
Hair Color: Unknown
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Unknown.
Dentals: Available. Several silver dental fillings. Forensic scientist Bill Bass commented that the dental work completed on the girl was well-done.
Fingerprints: Not available.
DNA: Available.
Clothing: Two high-top shoes (outdoor or hiking type-size 5 or 6) with two pairs of holes, two pairs of metal hasps, and red-cloth lining inside shoes. The left shoe contained a string/lace, the right shoe does not. Metal buckles that possibly belonged to overalls were also located.
Jewelry: Necklace/bracelet made of plastic buttons.
Additional Personal Items: Unknown.
The female was located by a passerby about 200 yards off Big Wheel Gap Road, four miles southwest of Jellico in Campbell County, Tennessee on April 3, 1985.
The area was known at the time for logging and mining, but also as a dumpsite. The road would have been familliar to those living in the vicinity, and unlikely to be discovered by chance.
The remains had been there for about one to four years, likely two or more.
Only 32 bones were recovered, but her skull was intact enough for a head and face reconstruction.
The work evident on the decedent's teeth suggested she originated from a family that valued dental care; it would be likely that the provider who had her as a patient would recall the procedures. Between sixty and eighty dentists in the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina were contacted, but none of them recognized the fillings/restorations as their own.
No local missing persons appeared to match the remains.
Investigators suspect a link between this girl and the "Redhead murders" which are believed to have occurred primarily in the Southern United States between the late 1970s and early 1990s, where the offender selected high-risk victims with reddish hair. However, the cause of this individual's death remains undetermined (although foul play is suspected), as does the coloration of her hair.
It is unknown if the boots, clothing fragments, or jewelry found near the remains belonged to the girl.
She is known as "Baby Girl" to investigators.
Agency Name: Forensic Anthropology Center, University of Knoxville
Agency Contact Person: Lee Jantz
Agency Phone Number: 865-974-4408
Agency E-Mail: ljantz(at)utk.edu
Agency Case Number: UT85-6F
Agency Name: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Agency Contact Person: Brandon Elkins or Amy Emberton
Agency Phone Number: 865-549-7849 or 1-800-TBI-FIND
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: KX5A000163
Agency Name: Campbell County Medical Examiner
Agency Contact Person: N/A
Agency Phone Number: 423-907-1200
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: Unknown
NCIC Case Number: U130022868
NamUs Case Number: 1577
NCMEC Case Number: 1105475
NamUs
NCMEC
Wikipedia
Appalachian Unsolved
Joanna J. Hughes: Forensic Artist
Added: 3/8/06; Last Updated: 4/10/22
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information may be estimated.
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