Forensic investigators begin search for ID on bones
Remains of African-American woman found near Lake Berryessa
By Mike Treleven
For The Weekly Calistogan
A forensic artist has put a woman’s face on the bones found in a remote area of Lake Berryessa on Mother’s Day.
From the facial re-creation, Napa County Sheriff’s Det. Chris Carlisle hopes that someone will recognize the woman.
According to the sheriff’s department, DNA evidence reveals is a black female. At the time of her death the victim that was wearing an olive green polo shirt, was between 5-feet 5-inches and 5-feet 6-inches tall and was of average build. She had given birth to at least one child. Her hair was cut to just above the shoulders, she wore a hair weave and had a facial piercing.
She had extensive dental work done, including a root canal. That’s a clue to her financial status, as Carlisle said, “She had some means to take care of her teeth.” She had French-cut acrylic nails that were also recovered at the scene.
Investigators say Jane Doe may have also had lower back problems.
The sheriff’s department has asked the California Dental Association to publish a photo of her in their statewide magazine, in the hope that a dentist somewhere may recognize her. Previous efforts to match her to missing persons reports filed around California came up empty.
Carlisle said investigators still believe the case is a homicide, but declined to reveal any more information because he said it could hinder the investigation.
It is not known if she had died at the location, near Monticello Dam, where her body was found.
Gloria Nusse, a Marin County forensic artist, said she has done 15 facial recreations for law enforcement agencies over the years, leading to the identification of seven missing persons.
At a press conference Tuesday at the Napa County Sheriffs headquarters, Nusse stood next to the facial re-creation. She noted it can take from weeks to years before people come forward and say they recognize a person from a re-creation based on bones and other clues.
The sheriff’s department is also using the state’s DNA program, but thus far have not come up with anything.
“We are asking for the media’s help. This woman had a child. She was a mom,” Carlisle said.
The body was discovered by deputy Mike Bartlett at around 10 a.m. on May 9. He said he had pulled off into a turnout to check on a car parked on Highway 128 near Monticello Dam. It is believed the body had been there for between six months and one year.
“That car had nothing to do with this case,” said Bartlett, who has been a deputy for 12 years.
Bartlett noticed what appeared to be a human bone on the ground in the brush. Upon further investigation down the ravine he found nearly the complete remains of the woman. The bones were down an embankment, about 20 to 30 feet from the road.
Anyone with leads regarding the case is asked to contact the Napa County Sheriff’s Department tip line at 877-426-4847, e-mail sherifftipline@co.napa.ca.us or contact Det. Carlisle at 253-6030. People who provide information may remain anonymous.