Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in identifying homicide victim

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by Amy Nilson , February 9, 2016

Facial approximation bust of the victim commissioned by the Sheriff’s Department

SANTA CLARA COUNTY — The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that the remains of a female homicide victim remain unidentified, but have commissioned a forensic bust to create a possible likeness of the victim in hopes that a member of the public will recognize her.

According to Sergeant James Jensen, the woman’s remains were found off the side of Highway 9 in the hills above Saratoga, CA in an area near Booker Creek Road. Evidence collected at the scene included size 0 “Just USA” brand bluejeans, medium-size pink underwear and a size 36A black “Lily of France” brand bra. Also collected was a size small floral print “Ambience Apparel” brand blouse.

Evidence photo of victim’s blouse

Sergeant Jensen said that, based on a forensic anthropology exam conducted by the coroner’s office, the woman is estimated to have been Caucasian, between 15 and 24 years of age, and approximately 4’11” – 5’3″ tall with brown hair and a petite build.

The examination also allowed investigators to gauge an approximate time of death — sometime between April and December 0f 2014, the latter of which being when she was discovered, based largely on the current retail availability of the clothing she was wearing.

It wasn’t until October of 2015 that investigators sent the victim’s skull to the FBI for a facial approximation. Per Sergeant Jensen, the FBI completed the approximation in December and provided it to the Sheriff’s Office.

Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office are diligently seeking the public’s help in identifying the victim.

The case is available for public viewing, including images of the facial approximation and an exemplar photo of the blouse. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System case number is 14683.

Anyone with information that may be helpful is strongly encouraged to contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office at (408) 808-4500 or the anonymous tip line at (408) 808-4431.