(NewsNation) — Investigators in Oregon are hoping they’re one step closer to solving the state’s oldest unidentified person case.
The case dates back to the 1946 homicide of a woman referred to as “Oak Grove Jane Doe,” whose dismembered body parts were found in a burlap sack along the Willamette River south of Portland in Clackamas County. More remains were discovered later that year near Willamette Falls and the McLoughlin Bridge.
Authorities believe the victim was a middle-aged white woman between the ages of 30 and 50. Blunt-force trauma injuries to the head were also present.
“The case drew national attention at the time, but her identity was never confirmed,” Oregon State Police said. “In the 1950s, critical evidence, including the victim’s remains, went missing from law enforcement custody, with no documentation of their disposition. This halted further progress in the case.”
The case was reopened in 2008, but no progress was made.
NewsNation local affiliate KOIN in Portland contributed to this report.