New USF Art Exhibit Aims to Help Solve Cold Case Homicides
Theme of the exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center is missing persons with a focus on violence against women and children; grand opening Friday, Oct. 26.
TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 23, 2018) – In an effort to identify missing persons and solve cold cases, faces created from
the skeletal remains and postmortem photos of 20 unidentified people from around the
country will be available for public viewing in Tampa starting on Friday, Oct. 26.
The University of South Florida’s Institute of Forensic Anthropology & Applied Science
(IFAAS) will host a grand opening of this month-long exhibition Art of Forensics:
Solving the Nation’s Cold Cases at the Tampa Bay History Center in downtown Tampa
at 10:30 a.m. on Friday.
The majority of these cases are open homicides, and this effort aims to provide closure to the victims’ families and attract potential witnesses to help solve their murders. The event will include speakers from USF, Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).
“This project is so important because it may be our only chance. For decades, the homicide investigations remained open and untouched. They need to be brought up to current investigative standards,” said Erin Kimmerle, PhD, IFAAS executive director and USF associate professor of anthropology. “I encourage families who have a missing loved one to come forward, no matter what obstacles existed in the past and make a report. With the public’s help, this is how we solve cases.”
Exhibition displays consist of clay busts and drawings, digital compositions, artifacts and information about the crime scenes. Kimmerle, USF graduate students and Sgt. Sergio Soto, a forensic artist with IFAAS, created the reconstructions and exhibit. Their work is part of the ongoing statewide cold case initiative by IFAAS, for which the team conducted a number of forensic methods - such as exhuming Jane and John Doe graves for skeletal analysis, facial and clothing reconstructions, chemical isotope testing of the bones, hair and teeth, as well as DNA testing.
One of the featured victims is a young girl believed to be between four and six years old, whose skeletal remains were discovered in the back yard of a residential home surrounded by woods in Philadelphia in 1984. Kimmerle came across her case while assisting Philadelphia law enforcement agencies in an extensive exhumation project.
Several other featured cases include:
A woman found dumped in a steamer trunk in St. Petersburg on Halloween in 1969.
The remains of a 20 to 30-year-old black man in Florida who had previously been described
to the public as a 19-year-old Hispanic male.
A man who authorities believed died from a drowning accident in 1989, but was recently
discovered to be a victim of homicide in Tampa.
A three to five-year-old boy found in an abandoned storage trunk in upstate New York.
Two pregnant teenagers found killed and dumped along Tennessee roads in the mid-1980s.
Additional case information and imagery can be found here: www.forensics.usf.edu.
Kimmerle previously hosted two smaller events involving only clay sculptures, in which three of the Jane Does were identified, connecting the victims to their families. This exhibition marks the end of the Cold Case Program IFAAS created in conjunction with agencies locally and nationwide using a $386,537 grant from the NIJ.
“The National Institute of Justice fully supports and understands the importance of this event to victims and their families. As an NIJ grantee, USF has done very well as a leading support agency to those working on missing and unidentified person’s cases,” said Chuck Heurich, senior physical scientist for the Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice.
Expected Guest Speakers Include:
Erin Kimmerle, USF forensic anthropologist, artist
Sergio Soto, USF forensic artist
Brian Dugan, Tampa Police Chief
Donna Lusczynski, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy
Chuck Heurich, Department of Justice/National Institute of Justice
Representatives from other participating law enforcement agencies in Florida will also attend to help answer questions about the investigations featured in their jurisdictions. This includes the St. Petersburg Police Department, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
There is no reserved parking onsite at the Tampa Bay History Center for media. However parking is available at nearby garages, lots and metered spaces.
Art of Forensics: Solving the Nation’s Cold Cases runs October 26-November 27 at the Tampa Bay History Center. Admission is $14.95 for adults. Senior and youth rates are available.
*Anyone who recognizes one of the featured victims can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS, which may lead to a cash reward.
COLD CASE SUMMARIES
Case 1: The Lady in the Trunk
Collage: Illustration, Clothing Reconstruction, Historic Photographs & Newspaper
Sergio Soto
On Halloween, a city worker noticed a new steamer trunk near the parking lot of the
Oyster Bar. The trunk was manufactured by the “Nonbreakable Trunk Company”. Believing
that it was out of place and interested in the contents, the worker contacted local
uniformed officers for their assistance. Inside the trunk, they discovered a 25 to
35-year-old woman of European (White) ancestry who had was strangled and beaten-to-death.
The young woman was approximately 5 ft. 9 in. tall and an estimated 130 pounds. Her
hair was brown, cut above the shoulders, and held up with bobby pins. She had brown
eyes and 3 moles: one on her left cheek, right forearm, and one on her left thigh.
She was wearing a short, green nightgown with a floral design and lace at the top.
Chemical isotope analysis suggests she was not local to Florida, but had been born
in the Southeastern U.S. and lived in northern portion of the Southeastern U.S. for
several years prior to her death.
Date of Discovery: October 31, 1969
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
USF10-002C NCIC: U230018686
ME: 69-3733 NamUs: UP 1019
SPPD: 1969-062886
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
William A. Pellan, District 6 Medical Examiner
(ph.) 727-582-6800
Inv. Brenda Stevenson, St. Petersburg Police Department
(ph.) 727-893-7575 / Brenda.Stevenson@stpete.org
Case 2: Greece, New York
Collage: Illustration, Historic Photographs & Newspaper
Sergio Soto
A storage trunk uncovered in the basement of an apartment building contained the remains
of 3-5-year-old boy of White (European) ancestry. He was dressed in a light blue,
wool “Bambi” pajama top and a diaper, and then wrapped in a yellow blanket. His hair
was straight and brown to black in color. While his cause of death is unknown, it
appears he had prior cranial surgery earlier in his short life. This surgery occurred
well before death. There is also evidence of growth and health related problems. His
head had a prominent bulge on the left backside of his head, appearing asymmetrical.
Chemical isotope analysis suggests he was not local to the New York area, but may
have been born in the Northwestern U.S., and spent a significant amount of time in
the Southeastern U.S.
Date of Discovery: March 9, 1976
Location: Greece, Monroe County, New York
USF16-014C PD: 606982
ME: 76-00091 NamUs: UP 13643
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Sgt. David Mancuso, Greece Police Department
(ph.) 585-953-1596 / dmancuso@greeceny.gov
Case 3: Teenage Girl in FL
Facial Composite: Erin H. Kimmerle
North of Lake Lotus, the skeletal remains of a 14 to 18-year-old girl of European (White) ancestry were discovered in a wooded area frequently used to dump trash by local residents. While her cause of death is unknown, her death may have been connected to a series of murders that occurred in the area. Her hair was medium to dark brown, wavy, and pulled back into a ponytail. She was 5’2” to 5’9” ft. tall. Chemical isotope analysis suggests she was born in the West to Northwest regions of the U.S. and had lived in the Midwest prior to her death.
Date of Discovery: August 21, 1973
Location: Altamonte Springs, Florida
USF16-020C SCSO: 1973-00001322
ME: 1973-01322 NamUs: UP 1341
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Karla Orozco, District 7 Medical Examiner
(ph.) 386-258-4060 / korozco@volusia.org
Det. Jennifer L. Spears, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
(ph.) 407-665-6847 / jspears@seminolesheriff.org
Case 4: Trash Bag on the Road Side
Illustration: Sergio Soto
A jogger past an inconspicuous trash bag and stopped to place it in a nearby bin when
a skull fell out. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office discovered additional remains
wrapped inside the comforter within the bag. Initially, authorities believed the remains
were an Hispanic individual of unknown sex; however, through the current anthropological
analysis the bioprofile changed. The remains come from a 18 to 30-year-old African
American male, 5’4” to 5’7” ft. tall. Chemical isotope analysis suggests the victim
was local to the Florida region where he was found.
Date of discovery: March 20, 2014
Location: DeLand, Volusia County, Florida
USF16-022C VCSO: 14-7543
ME: 14-07-154 NamUs: UP 12776
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Karla Orozco, District 7 Medical Examiner
(ph.) 386- 258-4060 / korozco@volusia.org
Case 5: Young Girl in the Woods
Composite: Erin H. Kimmerle
Hunters found the partial remains of a young white female, approximately 14 to 17-years-old
while out hunting. She had straight brown hair. Her manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The chemical isotope testing indicates she may not have been born, nor lived a significant
amount of time in Tennessee prior to death. More likely she was born in Southern Florida
or Central Texas and then resided in the Midwestern U.S. for several years prior to
death.
Date of discovery: October 21, 1981
Location: Cheatham County, Tennessee
USF16-029C UT: 81-23F
NamUs: UP 1582 NCMEC:1106809
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Lee Meadows Jantz, Forensic Anthropology Center, Univ. of TN
(ph.) 865-974-4408 / ljantz@utk.edu
Case 6: Fishermen’s Nightmare
Facial Composite & Historic Photographs: Erin H. Kimmerle
Fishermen discovered the body of a teenage girl of European (White) ancestry, approximately
15 to 20-years-old, approximately 5’6” ft. tall, as they were walking to fish in a
nearby creek. Her manner of death was ruled a homicide. The young woman was 6 weeks
pregnant. Chemical isotope analysis suggests she may have been born and spent the
first years of her life in the eastern portion of the USA, but moved to the Midwest
or Southwest U.S. sometime prior to her death in Tennessee.
Date of discovery: April 14, 1985
Location: Jeraldstown exit to I-81 in Green County, Tennessee
USF16-030C UT: 85-8F
NamUs: UP 1576 NCMEC: 1106925
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Lee Meadows Jantz, Forensic Anthropology Center, Univ. of TN
(ph.) 865-974-4408 / ljantz@utk.edu
Case 7: Campbell County, Tennessee
Facial Composite: Erin H. Kimmerle
The unidentified remains of 10 to 14-year-old girl of European (White) ancestry were
found in a wooded area. Her skeletal remains were estimated to be on the surface for
2 to 4 years prior to discovery. Personal effects found near her body include a pair
of high-top shoes, (women’s size 5 or 6) and a necklace made of plastic buttons. The
chemical isotope analysis indicates she was not local to the region, but possibly
was born in the Southeast U.S., likely in Florida or Central Texas. She probably lived
the last few years of her life in the Midwest or western portion of the U.S.
Date of discovery: April 3, 1985
Location: Campbell County, Tennessee
USF16-031C UT: 85-6
NamUs: UP 1577 NCMEC:1105475
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Lee Meadows Jantz, Forensic Anthropology Center, Univ. of TN
(ph.) 865-974-4408 / ljantz@utk.edu
Case 8: The Old Man in the Woods
Illustration & Digital Rendering: Sergio Soto
A homeowner went on a leisurely walk in the woods behind his home, and discovered
the remains of an older man. The clothes found on the man included a grey hat, blue
sport shirt, dark blue suit coat, blue work cotton twill pants, black socks, and black
shoes - all of which was very old in appearance. Unknown, he was buried in a John
Doe grave until exhumed by IFAAS, the Medical Examiner, and Tampa Police Department
for analysis.
The remains are those of a 50 to 75-year-old European (White) male, who was 5’8” to
5’11” ft. tall. He had suffered nasal fractures earlier in his life, which caused
some deformation of his nose. The chemical isotope analysis indicated he was likely
born and lived in the Southeast U.S. The presence of specific lead isotopes suggests
he grew up in an older (pre-1930s) area, which is consistent with his time of birth
and early childhood.
Date of discovery: July 8, 1973
Location: Tampa, Florida
USF17-003C TPD: 73-21417
ME: 73-01058 NamUs: UP 16352
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Sgt. Gregory Van Heyst, Tampa Police Department
(ph.) 813-276-3559 / Gregory.VanHeyst@tampagov.net
Case 9: The Burning House
Clay Sculpture: Sergio Soto
Witnesses saw a man and woman fleeing a vacant house that was on fire. However, the
man was seen running back into the burning house but did not survive. All his clothing
and personal effects were burned beyond recognition. Unknown, he was buried in a John
Doe grave until exhumed by IFAAS, the Medical Examiner, and Tampa Police Department
for analysis. He was likely a 25 to 40 year-old male with African American ancestry,
and stood between 5’8½” to 5’11½” ft. tall. He had several fractures to his head and
they were in the process of healing at the time of his death. The chemical isotope
analysis indicated he likely was born and lived in the Southeast U.S., and spent most
of his life in Southern Florida or a region of Central Texas.
Date of discovery: February 9, 1974.
Location: Tampa, Florida
USF17-004C TPD: 74-5650
ME: 74-00166 NamUs: UP 16354
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Sgt. Gregory Van Heyst, Tampa Police Department
(ph.) 813-276-3559 / Gregory.VanHeyst@tampagov.net
Case 10: Brooks Sneakers from Allentown, PA
Facial Composite: Erin H. Kimmerle
Skeletal remains were found on the steep embankment, near the Hamilton Street Bridge
by a group of adolescent boys. The decedent’s remains were transferred to the Department
of Defense Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Delaware in June of 1991, where
they remained in a closet until 2014. The manner and cause of death are Unknown. The
remains are those of an African American man, 30-45 years-old, approximately 5’5”to
5’8” ft. tall. Previously he suffered from a broken nose and trauma to his face, which
healed but left some deformation. He wore “Brooks Unique” brand shoes in size 10.5,
with a “6” written on the ankle above the logo. Chemical isotope analysis indicates
he was born in southern Florida or Central Texas, but lived in the Northeastern region
for several years prior to his death.
Date of Discovery: April 28, 1991
Location: Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
USF 17-009C APD: 91-28009
Coroner No.: J 2016-0521 NamUs: UP 16506
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Det. Thomas McAndrew, Lehigh County Office of the District Attorney
(ph.) 610-782-3109 / thomasmcandrew@lehighcounty.org
Case 11: Reclassified Homicide
Facial Composite & Clothing Reconstructions: Erin H. Kimmerle
He was wearing a Timex watch, a white button-up shirt, blue pants with a black belt,
and blue and white tennis shoes. He was 5’8” to 6’2” ft. tall and 170 lbs. However,
he had no identification. His death was classified as an accidental drowning. Unknown,
he was buried in a John Doe grave until exhumed by IFAAS, the Medical Examiner, and
Tampa Police Department for analysis. Through skeletal autopsy, evidence was found
showing the death was not accidental, and the death was re-classified as a homicide.
Chemical isotope analysis suggests he spent his early childhood in the Southeastern
U.S. and moved to a more northern region of the Southeast during the years prior to
his death. It is likely he did not live in Tampa for a substantial period of time
before his death.
Date of Discovery: May 29, 1989
Location: Tampa, Florida
USF17-012C TPD: 89-045512
ME: 89-00408 NamUs: UP 195
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Sgt. Gregory Van Heyst, Tampa Police Department
(ph.) 813-276-3559 / Gregory.VanHeyst@tampagov.net
Case 12: The Boy in the Vacant House
Illustration & Photo Reconstruction: Sergio Soto
In an apparent suicide, a young male was found hanging from a rafter in a vacant house
on Baker Street. He weighed approximately 126 pounds, had brown eyes, sparse facial
hair, and medium length, wavy, dark brown hair. At the time of his death, he was wearing
a white “Kevin’s Cutting Co.” t-shirt, red sweatpants, and black “Attack Force” running
shoes. Local residents described him as an “Oriental boy” and noted he had been living
in the house for at least 8-9 months. Unknown, he was buried in a John Doe grave until
exhumed by IFAAS, the Medical Examiner, and Tampa Police Department for analysis.
Anthropological analyses by IFAAS reveals the boy was likely Hispanic, 5’4” to 5’7”
ft. in stature, between 14-16 years-old. Chemical isotope analysis suggests he spent
the first years of his life outside of the United States, possibly along the Pacific
coast of South America such as Ecuador or Colombia, but likely lived in the USA during
the last few years of his life.
Date of Discovery: March 18, 1992
Location: Tampa, Florida
USF17-013C PD: 92-17142
ME: 92-00344 NamUs: UP 194
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Sgt. Gregory Van Heyst, Tampa Police Department
(ph.) 813-276-3559 / Gregory.VanHeyst@tampagov.net
Case 13: The Man in the Lake
Clay Sculpture: Sergio Soto
Two men out fishing discovered the remains of adult male floating in an unnamed lake
north of Highway 301. Cause of death was drowning. The victim was unclothed and without
identification. Unknown, he was buried in a John Doe grave until exhumed by IFAAS,
the Medical Examiner and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for analysis.
The remains are from a 45- 65 year-old male individual of White (European) ancestry.
He was edentulous but may have had dentures that were not recovered. This individual
has a well-healed fracture to the right elbow with surgical hardware present. He also
had healed fractures to his nose, causing severe asymmetry, and a healed fracture
to left ankle. He would have stood 5’5”to 5’8” ft. tall. Chemical isotope testing
suggests he was local to the Florida region.
Date of Discovery: October 2, 1982
Location: Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida
USF17-021C HCSO: 82-130082
ME: 82-00759 NamUS: UP 214
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Sgt. Greg Thomas, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
(ph.) 813-247-0546
Case 14: Fire on the Roadside
Facial Composite & Associated Belongings: Erin H. Kimmerle
The remains of an adult man were found burning along a roadside in the early morning
off County Road 490. At autopsy facial injuries were observed as well as the decedent
having no teeth. The victim was clad in black slacks, black dress shoes, light blue
socks, a white button down shirt with blue stripes, and a nylon windbreaker. A large
brass crucifix, black smoke pipe and Tampa Nugget matchbooks were present in his pockets.
Unknown, he was buried in a John Doe grave until exhumed by IFAAS, the medical examiner
and Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for analysis. The remains are those of a 35 to
55 year-old man of White (European) ancestry. He was 5’6” to 5’9” ft. tall. The manner
of death is a homicide. Chemical isotope analysis suggests he was local to the Southeastern
U.S.
Date of Discovery: June 14, 1984
Location: County Road 490, Lecanto, Florida
USF17-036C CCSO: 85-06-0115
ME: 567-85 NamUs: 2883
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Det. Chris Holloway, Citrus County Sheriff's Office
(ph.) 352-249-2731 / cholloway@sheriffcitrus.org
Case 15: The Woods Near the Steam Plant
Illustration: Sergio Soto
On a fall afternoon, a man gathering pine needles in the woods near the Duck Power
Riverbend Steam Plant came upon the partly skeletonized remains of a 32 to 42 year
man of African American ancestry who was about 6 ft. tall. The man was dressed in
white deck shoes, brown slacks, and a t-shirt that read, “Save a bee… Eat your honey,”
including a cartoon of a honeybee. The death was ruled a homicide due to gunshot trauma.
Chemical isotope analysis suggests he was born in the Southeastern U.S., likely south
Florida, and was living in southern Florida or potentially outside the USA in the
Caribbean for several years prior to his death.
Date of Discovery: October 6, 1979
Location: Mt. Holly, Gaston County, North Carolina
USF18-003C NCSU: FA17-11
ME: 79-682 NamUs: UP 1742
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Clyde Gibbs, North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
(ph.) 919-743-9077 / clyde.gibbs@dhhs.nc.gov
Case 16: Hiker in the Canyon
Illustration & Digital Rendering: Sergio Soto
A hiker in Gregory Canyon discovered the partially skeletonized remains of a 30-45
year old man of White (European) ancestry. Unknown, he was buried in a John Doe grave
until April 2018, when exhumed by the Boulder County Coroner’s Office and sent to
IFAAS for analysis.
He had shoulder length, dark blonde - brown hair and was dressed in Levi blue jeans,
a white shirt and white tennis shoes. The bridge of his nose was very prominent and
likely appeared deviated to the left. He was approximately 5’5” to 5’8” tall. Chemical
isotope analysis suggests he was born in the Southeastern U.S. and likely lived in
southern Florida or Central Texas, but was not local to the Colorado area. His manner
of death remains Unknown.
Date of Discovery: November 21, 1993
Location: Gregory Canyon, Boulder County, Colorado
USF18-012C S93-11920
Coroner No: 1517-93-A NamUs: UP517
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Laurissa Lampi, Boulder County Coroner’s Office
(ph.) 303-441-3535 / llampi@bouldercounty.org
Case 17: The Philadelphia Theater
Illustrations: Sergio Soto
The body of an unknown man estimated to be a 55 to 70-years-old of European (White)
ancestry was discovered in a seat at the Family Theater on Market Street. He was 5’8”
ft. tall and weighed approximately 215 lbs. He had dark, greying hair in a short-cropped
hair cut, hazel-colored eyes, and a tattoo on his right forearm of an army nurse in
uniform from WWI style era. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with zipper front,
green jersey t-shirt and white cotton t-shirt, black trousers, white cotton socks
and brown shoes. In the right pocket of his trousers was a tag that said “laundered
in Millville, NJ” with the number A1086.
Date of Discovery: January 7, 1969
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
USF18-013C NamUs: UP 16633
ME: 69-0126
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Seth Ditizio, Philadelphia County Medical Examiner’s Office
(ph.) 215-685-7445 / Seth.Ditizio@phila.gov
Case 18: Electrified by the Train
Illustration: Sergio Soto
Commuters on the train saw a young man about 15 to 20-years-old climb on top of the
train, where he made contact with live wires and was electrocuted. He was likely of
Hispanic ancestry, with black wavy hair and brown eyes. He stood about 5 feet tall
and weighed 120 pounds. The young man was wearing blue jeans, buckskin moccasins and
a red, white and blue patterned shirt.
Date of Discovery: November 21, 1974
Location: University City Station (Previously Civic Center Station)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
USF18-021C NamUS: 16940
ME: 74-5761
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Seth Ditizio, Philadelphia County Medical Examiner’s Office
(ph.) 215-685-7445 / Seth.Ditizio@phila.gov
Case 19: The Little Girl on Collum Street
Facial Composite: Erin H. Kimmerle
While walking along the wooded area of their property on Collum Street, a local resident
discovered the partial skeleton of a child within the brush. The remains were from
a 4 to 6-year-old African American girl. She had short, curly black hair in braids.
Unclothed and unknown, she was buried in a Jane Doe grave. In August 2018, authorities
attempted to locate her remains for further analysis, including the Philadelphia Medical
Examiner’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Police Department, the Attorney General
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Lehigh Coroner’s Office along with IFAAS.
Unfortunately, her remains could not be located within the former City Cemetery, reflecting
the sad reality that many victims are forever lost.
Date of Discovery: November 25, 1984
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
USF18-025C NamUs: UP 17492
ME: 84-5583
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Seth Ditizio, Philadelphia County Medical Examiner’s Office
(ph.) 215-685-7445 / Seth.Ditizio@phila.gov
Case 20: Christmas Jane Doe
Clay Sculpture: Sergio Soto
The day after Christmas, a hunter discovered the skeletal remains of a young girl
in a wooded area behind a rest stop. She was between 4 and 6-years-old and likely
of African American or mixed African American/European ancestry. Although cause and
manner of death is unknown, skeletal analysis revealed that she had multiple facial
injuries in the process of healing and likely suffered from chronic ear infections.
Chemical isotope analysis suggests she was local to North Carolina region.
Date of Discovery: December 26, 1983
Location: Northampton County, North Carolina
USF18-030C NamUs: UP 2196
ME: 83-844
Any information that may assist with this case please contact:
Clyde Gibbs, North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
(ph.) 919-743-9077 / clyde.gibbs@dhhs.nc.gov