In June 1998, the remains of an unidentified infant were found near Fisher Lake in Longview, Texas, which is a city in Gregg County in northeast Texas. The Longview Police Department responded to the scene and found a newborn female infant in a trash bag who appeared to have been born healthy with evidence that she had been beaten to death, including injuries to her skull. Detectives began collecting evidence and opened a homicide investigation. Despite an exhaustive investigation, neither the baby nor the parents could be identified and the baby became known as Gregg County Baby Jane Doe (1998). She was buried at Grace Hill Cemetery in Longview. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP13675 in March 2015.

In May 2025, with funding provided by Project 525, the Longview Police Department submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the child. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the newborn. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.

This investigation led to the positive identification of the mother of the baby, who is now known to be Misty Marie Mitchell. Mitchell was interviewed by detectives and admitted to being the child's mother. Mitchell has been charged with murder. The case remains under investigation and anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Longview Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 903-237-1110.

This is the 8th case resolved as part of Othram's Project 525 initiative. Project 525, launched on May 23, 2024 in collaboration with RTI, the organization that manages the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), aims to bring resolution to five hundred twenty-five juvenile cases published in NamUs.

The identification of the infant represents the 22nd case in the State of Texas where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Texas cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families. 

Session 3 – Family History Research: Obituary Notes, Steps in the Naturalization Process, Government Website Sources. Virtual Zoom class scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 01:00 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time. 

This class will cover the various types of obituary notices and their genealogical value. The phases of the US Naturalization Process and their connection to the US Census will be explored. We will look at Alien Files in the National Archives Database, the history of US Visas needed/used by ancestors, and understand how the US Archives Publication List can uncover sourcing for research. Ask questions any time during the presentation.

Join the Pastfinders of the South Lake County Genealogical Society for an online class. Family History Research classes are made up of three distinct sessions. Each session operates independently of the others, allowing you to participate in one or all three. These classes are available to you at no charge. Register Today! To learn more please visit our website: PastfindersSLC.org.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/…/reg…/OH840mxBQnuE6yhObt_i6g

A woman who was found dead in a wooded area near Houston has been identified more than 30 years later.

Jane Doe identified

Joann Zamora (Courtesy: Moxxy Forensic Investigations)

Moxxy Forensic Investigations announced that the woman was identified as Joann Zamora, who was born on August 27, 1963.

The backstory:

A passerby discovered her remains in Harris County on September 8, 1992.

Zamora, described as a loving mother who wanted to live life to the fullest, had last been seen in Houston.

What they're saying:

"Words cannot fully express what it means to finally have answers after more than 32 years," said Joann's daughter, Spencer Zamora Graham. "While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we are deeply grateful to those who cared enough to seek the truth about a stranger who had no name and stood alone for so long."

Joann Zamora (Courtesy: Moxxy Forensic Investigations)

What's next:

According to Moxxy Forensic Investigations, Zamora’s death was a homicide that remains under investigation by the Houston Police Department. Criminal Coffee Co. is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for her death. Call Crime Stoppers with information.

How she was identified

Dig deeper:

According to Moxxy Forensic Investigations, they initiated an Investigative Genetic Genealogy effort in 2024 that was made possibly by a public crowdfunding campaign. Criminal Coffee Co. provided financial support.

According to Moxxy Forensic Investigations, Intermountain Forensics was able to extract DNA from the woman’s remains and generate a viable DNA profile for the genealogical research.

Joann Zamora (Courtesy: Moxxy Forensic Investigations)

What they're saying:

"Our entire team poured their hearts into this case," said Katie Thomas, co-founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations. "Joann was never just a case number to us—she was someone’s mother, someone’s daughter, someone who mattered. Every person deserves to have their name returned, and we are honored to have helped bring Joann home."

"This accomplishment underscores the power of genetic genealogy in modern investigations, opening new doors for solving even the most challenging cases," said Derrick Levasseur, founder of Criminal Coffee Co. "This investigation is a powerful example of what can happen when passionate people and purpose-driven companies come together."

The Source: The information in this article comes from a news release from Moxxy Forensic Investigations.

The Southern Arizona Jewish Genealogical Society won the Member of the Year Award at the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies’ 45th International Conference on Jewish Genealogy held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from August 10-14, 2025. The IAJGS represents more than 90 Jewish genealogical societies worldwide. Rich Schlesinger and Nancy Grayson, co-presidents of the Southern Arizona Jewish Genealogical Society, announced the award at the group’s monthly membership meeting on Sept. 7.

The Southern Arizona group was recognized for its efforts over the past year to revitalize the original genealogical organization formed in 2009. Noteworthy accomplishments included fostering collaboration with other local Jewish organizations, developing an in-person and virtual speakers series, and sponsoring field trips, study groups, and other outreach initiatives. The group also expanded its board of directors, increased membership, reincorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and relocated membership meetings to the more centralized Tucson Jewish Community Center location.

“Winning the Member of the Year Award was the result of a lot of work put in by the entire board, and I was honored to receive the award on behalf of our membership,” Schlesinger said. 

Likewise, Grayson was ebullient about the recognition, adding, “I am inspired to do even more for everyone in Southern Arizona, and those out of state, researching their Jewish heritage and starting their genealogical adventure.” 

Grayson also announced that on Sunday, Oct. 5, genealogist and family history researcher Jordan Auslander will discuss “Global Genealogical Research Without Airfare or Postage” via Zoom. On Sunday, Nov. 16, Crista Cowan, The Barefoot Genealogist, will deliver an in-person lecture entitled “Jewish Records on Ancestry,” and on Sunday, Dec. 7, DNA expert Gil Bardige will present “Help! I Got My DNA Results and I’m Confused” via Zoom. Meetings begin at 2 p.m. at the Tucson JCC. 

For more information or to arrange an introductory presentation for your organization, email info@sajgs.org.

The following is a press release written by the folks at the (U.S.) National Archives and Records Administration:

National Archives to Display Entire U.S. Constitution Including All 27 Amendments for the First Time in U.S. History FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC – For the first time in history, the entire United States Constitution will go on display, to celebrate 250 years of American Freedom. The four-page Constitution and the original Bill of Rights will be surrounded by 17 Constitutional amendments, filling the Rotunda at the National Archives in Washington, DC in a dramatic and highly visual display. This historic, special display will also include the rarely displayed fifth page of the Constitution. This original document outlines a set of instructions to the States on how to implement the Constitution, signed by George Washington as President of the Constitutional Convention.  Jim Byron, Senior Advisor to the Acting Archivist of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said:  “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the National Archives is playing a major role in the coast-to-coast commemorations by providing the American people access to their history. This extraordinary installation welcomes all Americans to celebrate the bedrock of our national life: our Constitution.” The display will open to the public in the Rotunda on Tuesday, September 16 and remain open through Wednesday, October 1. Visitors can view and experience the entire Constitution during regular museum hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Those visiting within those dates should anticipate longer than usual wait times. Visitors are encouraged to reserve timed-entry tickets at Recreation.gov. To give visitors even more opportunities to see the special display, the National Archives Museum will be open extended hours until 7:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, as well as Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28. The display of the entire Constitution is part of the National Archives’ celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Other upcoming activities at the National Archives include the opening of a new permanent exhibition space, The American Story and Discovery Center, in October 2025. The new galleries at the National Archives Museum will be the first and only museum experience in Washington, DC to use artificial intelligence to bring visitors individualized opportunities to explore American history.  # # # About the National Archives The National Archives and Records Administration is a federal agency that serves the American people by preserving and making available the records of the United States Government through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries. The National Archives is the custodian of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, on display for all to experience in Washington, DC. Learn more about the holdings of the National Archives at www.archives.gov. About the National Archives Foundation The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at www.archivesfoundation.org.

BillionGraves has announced lots of new features. Rather than announcing each and every one of them here, I’ll simply provide a link to all of them: 

https://blog.billiongraves.com/whats-new-billiongraves-10-great-new-features/

The following is a press release written by the folks at the (U.S.) National Archives and Records Administration:

Treaty of Paris The Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, between the American colonies and Great Britain, ended the American Revolution and formally recognized the United States as an independent nation. The three American negotiators – John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay – proved themselves ready for the world stage, achieving many of the objectives sought by the new United States. Two crucial provisions of the treaty were British recognition of U.S. independence and the delineation of boundaries that would allow for American western expansion. As the National Archives Museum prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we will debut a new museum experience. The American Story, opening October 23, 2025, will give insight to several important moments throughout our nation's history. Treaty of Paris, September 3, 1783, page 15. NAID: 299805 Remembering the 369th Infantry Regiment On September 3, 2025, World War I soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly referred to as the Harlem Hellfighters, were posthumously honored during a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony for their duties and service.  The history of this regiment is well researched and documented. The 369th proved the skeptics wrong and went on to achieve a remarkable combat record: they served more time in continuous combat than any other American unit (191 days on the front), the longest of any unit; never lost a man captured; never lost a foot of ground to the Germans; and was the first Allied unit to cross the Rhine River during the Allied offensive. The National Archives holds a collection of information related to the 369th Infantry Regiment. To learn more, visit the National Archives website. The 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly referred to as the Harlem Hellfighters, seen on board the USS Stockholm on February 12, 1919, as the soldiers awaited disembarkation in New York City. NAID: 2643128 2025 Summer Film Series Celebrating Music America Exhibit Concludes at George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum is wrapping up its 2025 Summer Film Series on Friday, September 12 at 7 p.m. ET with a showing of the musical animated movie, “Sing” (2016). The 2025 Summer Film Series has featured family-friendly musical movies to coincide with the Library’s latest exhibit, Music America: Iconic Objects from America’s Music History. Music America tells the story of how music has informed, interpreted, and inspired America’s identity since its founding, as part of the National Archives’ celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Visitors can view legendary objects from icons such as Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Tupac Shakur, and more. Along with interactive audio recordings from throughout history, the numerous one-of-a-kind artifacts demonstrate the depth, breadth, and great productivity of American musicians. This exhibit will be on display in the Ansary Gallery of American History through January 5, 2026.

Join us for a writing workshop presented by up-and-coming local author Lily Meade. Using her book The Shadow Sister as an example, Lily will guide participants through the process of using personal family history as inspiration for writing fictional stories.

Lily has two published works to date, The Shadow Sister and her most recent book, The Hex Girls: A Rogue Thorn, a Scooby Doo novel.

Space is limited. Admission is $10. This workshop is suitable for ages 16 years and up.

For questions please email info@tacomahistory.org or call (253) 472-3738.

This workshop is generously sponsored by Tacoma Creates.

Tickets on sale now: https://tacomahistory.ludus.com/20049702

More than 40 years after a woman's body was found near the Chattahoochee River, Cobb County Police said its cold case detectives have finally identified her.

Veronica Jane Miller, of Mableton, was about 20 years old when she died, police said. Her death has been ruled a homicide by the Cobb County Medical Examiner.

In 1984, authorities discovered a body in the river, but investigators were not able to identify her or determine the cause of her death. DNA testing also didn't yield any results.

Cobb Police said detectives worked with Othram Labs, using advanced genetic genealogy. They were able to find a possible half-sister, which led investigators to a break in the case, confirming Miller's identity.

According to Othram, forensic evidence was submitted in 2022. Scientists were able to build a DNA profile. Its website states genealogists work to come up with leads to identify Miller.

As for Cobb Police, the department said the case remains under investigation.

New Hampshire State Police say the final unidentified victim in the 1985/2000 Allenstown homicide case -- or the Bear Brook Murders -- has been identified. 

The final unidentified victim, previously known as the “middle child” has been identified a Rea Rasmussen. 

Rasmussen was born in 1976 in Orange County, California. 

She was the biological daughter of Terry Peder Rasmussen, the man responsible for the murders and who died in prison in 2010, and Pepper Reed, who has not been seen since the late 1970s. 

New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit partnered with the DNA Doe Project in 2024 to reinvestigate the unidentified child using advanced genetic genealogy. Through extensive DNA analysis and genealogical research, she was identified as Rea Rasmussen. 

This identification wraps up a more than 40-year search to give names to all four victims found in Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire.

“This case has weighed on New Hampshire and the nation for decades. With Rea Rasmussen’s identification, all four victims now have their names back. This development is the result of extraordinary perseverance by law enforcement, forensic experts, and our Cold Case Unit,” N.H. Attorney General John Formella said in a press release. “Our commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how long it takes, remains unwavering. We continue to seek answers about the disappearance of Pepper Reed.”

In 1985, the remains of an adult woman and a young girl were discovered in a barrel in Bear Brook State Park. In 2000, a second barrel containing the remains of two more girls was found nearby. The victims were determined to have been killed in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

The case was unsolved until 2017 when investigators linked a genetic genealogist’s clues to Terry Rasmussen, also known as Bob Evans, a serial killer who died in a California prison years earlier.

In 2019, three of the victims were identified as Marlyse Honeychurch and her daughters, Marie Vaughn and Sarah McWaters, last seen in California in 1978. The fourth victim, Rasmussen’s biological daughter, remained unidentified until now.

New Hampshire State Police say though all four Bear Brook victims have now been identified, the investigation into the disappearance of Pepper Reed, Rea’s mother, remains active. Authorities believe she may have also been one of Rasmussen’s victims. 

Investigators are asking for any information about the whereabouts and fate of Pepper Reed, who was last seen in the 1970s, and Teddy Rasmussen’s movements between 1974 and 1985, particularly in New Hampshire, California, Arizona, Texas, Oregon and Virginia.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact:

• New Hampshire Cold Case UnitPhone: (800) 525-5555 / (603) 271-2663Email: coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)Phone: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)Email: ncmectips@ncmec.org