A cold case involving the identity of the Apache Junction Jane Doe has been solved after over thirty years.
The unidentified female has been identified as 15-year-old Melody Harrison, who was reported missing from Phoenix, Arizona, in June of 1992. Her identification was possible through the persistent efforts of Apache Junction Police Investigator Stephanie Bourgeois and the innovative genetic genealogy techniques of the DNA Doe Project.
Melody’s decomposed remains were found in a remote desert area of Apache Junction on the northwest corner of Idaho Road and Baseline Road on August 6, 1992, sparking a thorough forensic investigation to determine her identity and cause of death. Although she has been identified, the investigation continues as to how she ended up in the far east portion of the valley over 40 miles away from her residence.
Using the DNA Doe Project’s investigative genetic genealogy process, they analyzed DNA of possible relatives of Melody and built a family tree, allowing investigators to make branches through genealogical records and two databases – GEDmatch Pro and FamilyTreeDNA.com.
Besides genetic DNA, a second confirmation of DNA was done by comparing family members to confirm Melody’s identity.
Bourgeois picked up the case in 2008 and retested evidence due to advanced technology. Over the years, other investigative tools were used, but the case went cold. In 2018, the department hired the DNA Doe Project to conduct forensic investigative genetic genealogy to further develop Apache Junction Jane Doe’s DNA profile.
Melody’s family filed the initial missing person report through the Phoenix Police Department in June 1992. However, due to individuals coming forth to the family saying they had seen Melody in multiple locations, the family believed she started a new life and did not want to go home. She was removed from the missing person’s database in August 1996. Her family thought she was still alive.
In 2019, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) posted two billboards in the Phoenix area of Apache Junction Jane Doe’s composite sketch to help assist with her identification and no leads were presented.
Identifying Melody was always the priority. Through dedicated research with dozens of volunteer investigative genetic genealogists and the incredible work of Bourgeois, Melody was given back her name.
“There is peace of mind having found Melody’s identity and sharing with her family, but there isn’t closure surrounding the circumstances of her death,” Bourgeois said. “We are still searching to find out how she might have passed away.”
The Apache Junction Police Department is still seeking information from anyone who can shed light on Melody’s presence in Apache Junction during the time of her disappearance in 1992. Any details regarding her close friends or relationships could be instrumental in solving this case.
If anyone has information regarding this case, they are encouraged to contact Silent Witness at 480-W-I-T-N-E-S-S, 480-948-6377, or 480-T-E-S-T-I-G-O for Spanish speaking. They can also leave an anonymous tip on their website at silentwitness.org. Responses can be completely anonymous and could earn a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the suspect(s) of this crime.