One year ago this month, a man hunting south of Safford found the body of a young female between 13 to 17 years of age. The girl, known simply as Jane Doe, has not yet been identified, nor is it known who killed her or who wrapped her body in plastic garbage bags before dumping it in a low-traffic area.
Jane Doe was found Oct. 26 partially submerged in a livestock float box near the rural Graham County community of Artesia. Sheriff’s investigators continue to have the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner withhold key autopsy findings, something Detective Sgt. Mark Smith told Arizona Daily Independent remains necessary one year later to avoid compromising the active homicide investigation.
Earlier this year, images of what Jane Doe may have looked like in life -Caucasian, about 5’ 1” tall with short light brown hair cut short- were released courtesy of a facial reconstruction commissioned by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Images were also released of some clothing found with the body, including a black-gray hooded sweater with a skull design and a black “witches” gown or robe. Given the Halloween theme of the items, it is hoped someone will recognize the clothing and help identify Jane Doe. And her killer.
Anyone with information about the victim’s possible identity is asked to call the Graham County Sheriff’s Office at 928-428-3141. Tipsters also have the option of remaining anonymous by giving the information to Crime Stoppers at 928-428-2746.
