The Lost and the Found

The victim was located by hunters just 6/10 miles from US Highway 31, pasture is overgrown with thick brush, at the foot of a power pylon on December 29, 1996. The terrain in this area is very rough and is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles. This area is about three miles south of South Bend, Indiana.

She is known to authorities as "Madison."

http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/177ufin.html




Reconstructions of the victim by Sheila E. Smith; earlier clay renderings.

Date of Discovery: December 29, 1996
Location of Discovery: South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana
Estimated Date of Death: 1-2 years prior
State of Remains: Skeletal
Cause of Death: Undetermined; suspected homicide

Physical Description
Estimated Age: 21-35 years old
Race: White
Sex: Female
Height: 5'1"
Weight: 110 lbs.
Hair Color: Brown, medium length
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Medium length brown hair. She had no previous broken bones but her nose may have been broken in the past. Spondylolysis of 5th lumbar, unknown if problem during life.

Identifiers
Dentals: Available. She had excellent dental hygiene. No Upper Lateral Incisors (genetic trait). Just one filling.
Fingerprints: Not available.
DNA: Available.

Clothing & Personal Items
Clothing: None.
Jewelry: None.
Additional Personal Items: None.

Circumstances of Discovery
The victim was located by hunters just 6/10 miles from US Highway 31, pasture is overgrown with thick brush, at the foot of a power pylon on December 29, 1996.

The terrain in this area is very rough and is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles. This area is about three miles south of South Bend, Indiana.

She is known to authorities as "Madison."

Investigating Agency(s)
Agency Name: St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit
Agency Contact Person: Tom Cameron
Agency Phone Number: 574-235-5009
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: 115327 or 96-59

NCIC Case Number: U991403077
NamUs Case Number: 782

Information Source(s)
NamUs
Child Protection Education of America
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
South bend Tribune
South Bend Crime Stoppers

Admin Notes
Added: Prior to 2005; Last Updated: 6/10/18