Police sketch of Jane Doe, with her jewelry
BANNING- Riverside Sheriff’s deputies are still seeking a suspect in the 1996 murder of a Jane Doe found along the highway.
On January 27, 1996 Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies from the Banning Station were notified by California Highway Patrol that officers had discovered a dead body along Highway 60, about 1.5 miles east of Gilman Springs Road. The winding passage through the hills is known locally as the “Badlands.”
According to a press release, a passing motorist noticed what they believed to be a body lying along the road near a turnout. The motorist reported the sighting to CHP and a Highway Patrol Officer, who checked the area found a deceased female at the location.
The victim is described as a well-groomed female, possibly of Hispanic, Native American, or Asian descent. She was 5’0” tall, about 130 pounds, brown hair, and brown eyes and about 20 to 30 years of age.
According to Sgt. Robert Thompson, “She was wearing a predominate black with grey tweed checkered type blazer, purple sweater, blue jean type pants “Original Honey Dip” label, white socks, and white “KEDS” shoes. The victim was wearing two gold necklaces, (1) Rose with a stem and two leaves, (2) one religious medal with “Jesus” on one side, “Mary” on the other side. The victim was also wearing two gold rings, (1) gold ring with two clear stones and (2) multi-colored gold band with floral design and a gold wristwatch with a flower shaped cover and multiple clear stones. The victim had a small scar on her chin and a surgical scar on her right abdomen.”
The identity of the victim is still unknown although evidence indicates that she was possibly married and had possibly given birth in the past.
The case is being investigated as a homicide and the investigation is continuing.
Anyone with any information concerning this case is asked to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at 909-275-2444 or the PASS CRIMESTOPPERS at 909-922-7233.
