ARIZONA NEWS

Jane Doe found dead in Apache Junction over 30 years ago identified as missing Phoenix teen

Nov 17, 2023, 8:18 AM | Updated: 11:14 am

PHOENIX — An unidentified girl who was found dead more than 30 years ago in Apache Junction has finally been identified, authorities announced Thursday.

The body was identified as 15-year-old Melody Harrison, a freshman at South Mountain High School, who was reported as missing from Phoenix in 1992, the Apache Junction Police Department said.

“There is peace of mind having found Melody’s identity and sharing with her family, but there isn’t closure surrounding the circumstances of her death,” Stephanie Bourgeois, Apache Junction police investigator, said in a press release.

How did Melody Harrison’s case go cold?

The decomposed remains of an unidentified female were found in a remote desert area near Idaho and Baseline roads on Aug. 6, 1992.

“There was very little for us to go on at that point. There was no signs of trauma. There was really no way to find out how this individual had passed away or what had happened and the mystery became on ‘who was this individual?’ There was no identification,” Michael Poley, chief police for Apache Junction, told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Two months after she went missing, Harrison’s family filed a missing persons report through the Phoenix Police Department.

She was taken off the missing list in 1996 following multiple reports to her family that she had been seen in various locations, police said.

Her family believed she was alive and didn’t want to return home.

What helped identify Harrison?

Authorities reopened the case in 2008, but it went cold again. The case got picked back up in 2018 with the help of the DNA Doe Project, which used genetic genealogy techniques to further develop her DNA profile.

DNA from potential relatives were analyzed and used to make a family tree, which allowed investigators to make branches through genealogical records and two databases.

Additionally, a second confirmation of DNA was done by comparing family members to confirm Harrison’s identity.

Where is the investigation into the Apache Junction case at now?

Now that Harrison has been identified, investigators are working to determine how she ended up over 40 miles away from her home.

The Apache Junction Police Department is looking for information regarding why Harrison was in the area during the time of her disappearance, as well as any details regarding her close friends or relationships.

Anyone with information was asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish.

Information leading to an arrest could be eligible for a reward.

“Just for those families that are still looking for their loved ones, and for the remains that are yet to be identified, there are dedicated professionals that are really trying to do everything they can to bring this resolution and, sometimes, closure to these families,” Poley said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Shira Tanzer contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said....

David Veenstra

Pedestrian dies after vehicle hits her on West Valley street

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said.

51 minutes ago

Reusable serveware now in use at Phoenix Convention Center...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Convention Center to introduce reusable food and drink packaging

Head to the Phoenix Convention Center and you'll notice you can now eat and drink from reusable serveware when attending events.

3 hours ago

Peoria Police department...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Peoria police search for vandals who caused $30-40K worth of park damage

The Peoria Police Department is asking the public for help in finding the suspect responsible for vandalizing and causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage to a local park.

13 hours ago

Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight offered through Allegiant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Fly high: Phoenix travelers getting new nonstop flight option for Pittsburgh through Allegiant

Planning a business trip? You can now book a Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight through Allegiant at Sky Harbor International Airport.

14 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Phoenix man charged after police seized 100,000 fentanyl pills

A man in Phoenix was pulled over by police during a routine traffic stop, which led to the seizure of about 100,000 blue fentanyl pills.

15 hours ago

Thomas Galvin AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Thomas Galvin on public funding for sports teams, speed of election results

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, Thomas Galvin discusses public funding for sports teams and how election results can be sped up.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Jane Doe found dead in Apache Junction over 30 years ago identified as missing Phoenix teen