DeepSummary
This episode revolves around two cold cases from 1980 involving the murders of two unidentified women, referred to as Jane Doe Kern and Jane Doe Ventura, whose bodies were found a few days apart in different counties of Southern California. Despite having DNA evidence that linked the cases to a convicted felon named Wilson Shoest, the identities of the victims remained unknown for decades.
In 2018, the DNA Doe Project, a volunteer organization that uses genetic genealogy to identify Jane and John Does, took on the cases. By running the DNA through databases and utilizing investigative genealogy techniques, they were able to identify Jane Doe Kern as Shirley Soosay, a Cree woman from Alberta, Canada. Her identity was confirmed in 2021 when her niece's DNA matched the evidence, allowing Shirley's remains to be returned to her community after 43 years.
While Shirley's identity was solved, the identity of Jane Doe Ventura remains unknown. However, the episode highlights how organizations like the DNA Doe Project are providing hope for solving missing and murdered indigenous women cases by utilizing advanced DNA technology and investigative techniques that were not available in the past.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Investigative genetic genealogy and organizations like the DNA Doe Project are providing new hope in solving cold cases involving unidentified victims, particularly in marginalized communities.
- DNA evidence and advanced forensic techniques played a crucial role in linking the two Jane Doe cases from 1980 to the same perpetrator, Wilson Shoest.
- The identification of Shirley Soosay as Jane Doe Kern after 43 years highlights the importance of returning missing and murdered indigenous women to their communities.
- Social media and community outreach can be powerful tools in solving cold cases, as demonstrated by the DNA Doe Project's use of Facebook groups to find leads.
- While Shirley Soosay's identity was solved, the case of Jane Doe Ventura remains open, emphasizing the ongoing efforts needed to bring closure to these cases.
- The episode sheds light on the challenges faced by indigenous communities, such as the reluctance to share DNA information due to historical mistreatment and the importance of oral traditions.
- Cold cases involving unidentified victims often require a personalized approach that considers individual circumstances and challenges, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
- The brutality of the crimes discussed, with victims being stabbed multiple times and sexually assaulted, underscores the importance of seeking justice and closure for these cases.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “The victim, she had been stabbed approximately 29 times.“ by Gary Moreland
- “After 43 years, Shirley was finally home.“ by Peyton Moreland
- “So, in 2020, the DDP used a familiar tool to connect to more people in the Maskwa cheese community. They posted a sketch of Jane Doe Kern on a few Facebook groups geared toward the indigenous people in that area, and by the end of 2020, they received a hit.“ by Peyton Moreland
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Episode Information
Murder With My Husband
OH NO MEDIA
2/12/24