California Cold Case Solved: 17-Year-Old Homicide Victim Karen Heverly Identified 45 Years After Body Found in Rancho Cucamonga Vineyard
After 45 years, investigators have finally identified the 17-year-old homicide victim found in a California vineyard in 1979. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced that the victim, Karen Heverly, was a Pennsylvania resident who was born on January 27, 1962.
On June 7, 1979, a vineyard worker discovered Heverly’s body in the area of 8th Street and Rochester Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The investigation revealed that she had suffered traumatic injuries and her death was ruled a homicide.
Despite efforts to identify the victim, the case went cold. The sheriff’s department had suspected that the woman was between 6 and 30 years old, but had no identifying marks, such as scars or tattoos.
In 2023, the sheriff’s department reopened the case and sent DNA samples to Othram, a forensic genealogy company. Othram constructed a comprehensive DNA profile and worked with the sheriff’s department to verify the identification of the victim.
Karen Heverly was born in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, and reportedly left her parents’ home in 1979 “under unknown circumstances.” Her identification brings closure to a case that had gone cold for decades.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department praised Othram’s forensic genealogy technology, which made it possible to identify Heverly. The technology uses DNA data to build a family tree and identify potential relatives.
Heverly’s family has been notified of her identification, and the sheriff’s department is continuing to investigate her homicide. The case is a reminder of the power of forensic technology in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
The sheriff’s department is urging anyone with information about Heverly’s death to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events surrounding her homicide.
Karen Heverly’s identification is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and forensic experts who work tirelessly to solve cold cases. Her family and loved ones can finally find closure after 45 years of uncertainty.
In conclusion, the identification of Karen Heverly brings an end to a 45-year-old mystery and serves as a reminder of the importance of forensic technology in solving crimes. The ongoing investigation into her homicide will hopefully bring justice to her family and loved ones.
