Unidentified Black Female Found June 28, 1999 in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County
Vital Statistics Estimated Age: 18 to 35 years old Estimated Height: 5'3" - 5'8" Estimated Weight: 120 lbs, slender build Hair Color: Black, the braided style depicted in the reconstruction sketch is accurate, based on braided hair found with the remains. Eye Color: Unknown Fingerprints: Some available. Local and national fingerprint comparisons have been checked with negative results. Dentals: available DNA: Samples submitted Clothing: Black Fubu jeans, a brown, white and beige shirt, one black shoe on left foot, size 7 1/2, one gold earring was found. State of Remains: largely skeletal and what soft tissue was left was mummified. Cause of Death: strangulation Estimated Time of Death: 6 months to a year prior to discovery
Case Details The remains of this unknown female were found on Tuesday, June 28, 1999 in the basement of 604 North Avenue in Wilkinsburg. The new owner of the house had started renovations and wanted things removed from the basement. The basement door was found to have been nailed shut from the inside. When the nails were removed and the door opened, the victims body was found at the base of the storm door stairs, lying under plywood and debris. Her head was separated from the rest of her body and duct tape was wrapped around her neck. The house had been empty and abandoned for about a year prior to the remains being found.
The house at 604 North Street and the storm cellar entrance. Click on the images for a slightly larger view. The property has since been sold and the house demolished.
If you have any information about this case, please contact:
Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office 412-350-4800
NCIC Number: U-060021572
Sources Pittsburgh Tribune Review Pittsburgh Post Gazette Doe Network NamUs
