The skull of a teenage girl named Esther Granger, who died in 1866 from childbirth complications, was found in the wall of an Illinois home in 1978. Despite decades of investigation, she remained unidentified until DNA testing confirmed her identity in 2024. The identification was made possible through advancements in forensic genealogy and the efforts of the Kane County Coroner’s Cold Case Team. The team raised funds through a crowdfunding campaign to complete the DNA testing process, which ultimately led to a match with a living descendant of Granger.
The case highlights the significance of cold case investigations and the importance of modern forensic technology in solving long-standing mysteries. Esther Granger, born in 1848 and buried in Lake County, Indiana after her death, was laid to rest in a private ceremony in August 2024. The discovery of her identity marks the oldest case of unidentified human remains solved by Othram Laboratories and the ninth successful forensic genetic genealogy identification in Illinois using their technology.
The investigation into the skull found in 1978 involved collaboration with various agencies and the use of new methods like forensic investigative genetic genealogy. The identification of Esther Granger after decades of uncertainty is a testament to the dedication of those involved in solving cold cases and the advancement of forensic science. Through the tireless work of investigators and the use of modern DNA technology, Esther Granger’s identity has been restored.
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