APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. – The DNA Doe Project has successfully identified a teenager discovered in an Arizona desert in 1992. The previously unnamed Apache Junction Jane Doe has been recognized as 15-year-old Melody Harrison from Phoenix.
Melody’s unidentified remains were found on August 6, 1992, and her disappearance had been reported by her mother in June of the same year, as reported by the Apache Junction Police Department (AJPD).
Chief Michael Pooley of AJPD expressed relief, stating, “We’re happy to say that at least now we have a starting point. We know that Melody was reported missing by her mother in June of 1992.”
The identification of Melody Harrison was achieved through the dedicated efforts of Apache Junction investigator Stephanie Bourgeois and the use of innovative investigative genetic genealogy techniques by the DNA Doe Project.
Despite the identification breakthrough, investigators are still grappling with unanswered questions regarding the circumstances of Harrison’s death and the responsible party.
“We’re looking for insights into when she left that house. Did she have friends that she went to hang out with? Was she in a relationship at that time? Just anything anybody can provide to us to give us insight into what was going on at that time,” Bourgeois explained.
Individuals with information about the case are urged to contact Silent Witness at (480) 948-6377.