Naples Jane Doe Identified: Advances in Forensic Technology Lead to Breakthrough in Cold Case
On February 16, 1975, a significant discovery was made in Collier County, Florida, when skeletal remains were unearthed by a couple traveling on Turner River Road. After their dog chased a raccoon, they stumbled upon a human skull, prompting them to contact the authorities. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office promptly initiated an investigation, uncovering additional skeletal remains concealed beneath bushes and tall grass.
Initial forensic assessments indicated that the remains belonged to a Black female, estimated to be between the ages of 21 and 35. Authorities determined that she died as a result of a gunshot wound, with the time of death estimated to be more than a year prior to the discovery. Despite extensive investigative efforts spanning decades, the woman remained unidentified, earning the moniker “Naples Jane Doe.” Details of her case were catalogued in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP1334 on April 7, 2008.
In a notable development in January 2024, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office sought the expertise of Othram Inc., a forensic science firm based in The Woodlands, Texas. They submitted forensic evidence from the remains, which Othram scientists processed using advanced DNA testing techniques. Through Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing, they extracted a comprehensive DNA profile that revised earlier anthropological assessments. This analysis indicated that the deceased was of European ancestry, contradicting prior beliefs regarding her background.
Leveraging this newly developed DNA profile, Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team conducted an extensive search, yielding new investigative leads that were provided to local law enforcement. Follow-up inquiries led investigators to potential relatives of the deceased. By collecting reference DNA samples from these relatives and matching them to the DNA profile of the unidentified woman, a breakthrough was achieved: she was identified as Darlene Schab.
The investigation into Schab’s homicide is ongoing, with authorities encouraging anyone who may have information to contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (1-800-780-8477), available 24/7.
The identification of Darlene Schab marks a significant milestone, representing the 46th case in Florida resolved through the advanced forensic technologies developed by Othram. This instance underscores the potential of contemporary forensic advancements to provide closure in cold cases, offering hope to families of missing persons that the sciences of genetics and genealogy can bridge the gaps left by time.
