The person at the center of this case
Jane Doe - Pacifica, California (unidentified female)
Justice for Jane Doe - Pacifica, California (unidentified female) — the trail went cold in 1989, but the truth hasn't.
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Betty Boop design shirt and distinctive jewelry - can these items be traced to a specific retailer or time period to narrow the victim's identity?
Who was this young Black female and did she have family or friends who reported her missing between 1987-1989?
Why was the body left on a hillside above a church - does this location hold significance to the perpetrator?
On March 22, 1989, the skeletal remains of an unidentified Black female were discovered on a hillside above a Catholic Church in Pacifica, California. The victim, estimated to be 18-30 years old, died by strangulation sometime between 1987 and 1989, but her identity remains unknown after more than three decades. Investigators seek information about the victim's identity and circumstances surrounding her death, particularly from anyone who may recognize her distinctive Betty Boop shirt and jewelry.
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Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
What circumstances led to strangulation death - was this a homicide by someone known to the victim or a stranger?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Pacifica, California March 22, 1989 On March 22, 1989, the remains of an unknown female were found in a partially isolated area on a hillside above a Catholic Church in Pacifica, California (San Mateo County). The victim’s cause of death was strangulation.
The victim appeared to be a Black female, approximately 18 to 30 years old, approximately 5’6” to 5’7” tall, 110 pounds, with reddish brown hair. The victim’s date of death was estimated to be six months to two years prior to the discovery of her body (i.e., 1987 to 1989).
The victim was found wearing a shirt with a Betty Boop design and distinctive jewelry (see sketch and photo above). Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding the case or identification of the victim to contact the Pacifica Police Department.
Skeletal remains of unidentified female found on hillside above Catholic Church in Pacifica
Victim's death estimated to have occurred six months to two years prior to discovery, placing it between 1987 and 1989