The Nameless Bronx Jane Doe (1991)

She Had a Face, a Name, and a Story: Who Is Bronx Jane Doe?

On October 5, 1991, the body of a young Black female was discovered in the northeast portion of the cloverleaf interchange at the junction of Pelham Parkway and the Bronx River Parkway in the Bronx, New York. Investigators believe she had died only hours before she was found.

More than three decades later, no one knows her name.

She is believed to have been between 15 and 20 years old, standing approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. She had dark brown hair with red highlights, brown eyes, and a distinctive linear scar on her right lower forearm. Her fingernails were carefully painted with red frosted polish, a small detail that speaks to the young woman she was before her life was tragically cut short.

She was wearing a red hooded windbreaker, black Nike sweatpants, a black bra, blue bikini briefs, and a black rosary around her neck. Someone, somewhere, knew her smile, heard her laugh, and is still missing her, even if they have never learned what became of her.

A forensic facial reconstruction created by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children offers a glimpse of what she may have looked like in life, with the hope that one day someone will recognize her and finally restore the identity that was taken from her.

For over 30 years, she has been known only as Bronx Jane Doe. She deserves more than a case number, she deserves her name, her story, and the dignity of being remembered.

If you recognize her or have any information that could help identify her, please contact the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner at 212-447-2030. One tip could finally give this young woman her name back and provide long-awaited answers to those who may still be searching for her.