Moxxy Forensic Investigations, in partnership with the McLean County Coroner's Office and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, has positively identified a woman whose remains were discovered in rural McLean County in 1982. The individual, previously referred to as “McLean
County Jane Doe,” has been confirmed through investigative genetic genealogical analysis to be 39-year-old Linda Cecilia Haddad. Linda’s remains were discovered on February 2, 1982, along US Route 136 between LeRoy and Bellflower.
Despite dedicated investigative efforts at the time and over the decades since, her identity remained unknown for more than 40 years. Using advanced DNA technology and investigative genetic genealogy, investigators were finally able to identify the body of “McLean County Jane Doe.”
On February 2, 1982, at approximately 1:50 PM a McLean County Sheriff's deputy heard a member of District 6 of the Illinois State Police dispatched a trooper to the area of Rt 136, 1.5 miles east of Rt. 150, for a reportedly deceased individual. Upon the deputy's arrival, he met with LeRoy Police, LeRoy Rescue and an ISP Crime Scene Technician, who was traveling on Rt 136, when the dispatch went out. At the scene there was an unidentified deceased female. Additional
ISP and McLean County Coroner's and Sheriff's Office investigators arrived and ultimately "Jane Doe" was transported to the former Brokaw Hospital in Normal, IL, for a postmortem examination. Subsequent investigation would determine that no foul play was involved, and "Jane Doe", as she would become known, died as a result of suicide.
She was initially described as being approximately 38-40 years old, 5'10" tall, with hazel eyes and black hair, and weighed approximately 150 pounds.
Investigators located and interviewed numerous people regarding “Jane Doe.” Results of those interviews indicated multiple people gave her rides, or attempted to assist her in some manner, dropping her off when requested, at numerous locations between Clinton, Bloomington,
Heyworth and Leroy, IL. Those who gave rides or tried to assist “Jane Doe” stated some of the things she talked about seemed unusual and her behavior seemed erratic. Some felt she was agitated.
At approximately 1:35 P.M., a passerby located the body of “Jane Doe” off Rt. 136, approximately 1.5 miles east of Rt. 150 hanging near the base of the utility pole, her feet on the ground and knees bent. The passerby stopped a IDOT snowplow after which the snowplow driver and passerby cut "Jane Doe" from the pole and called for assistance.
Additional investigation by MCCO, MCSO and ISP investigators followed up on considerable leads and tips from the public. A locksmith in New York was identified from a key on her keychain, but the lead ended there. Throughout the remainder of 1982, the investigation continued, including the involvement of a forensic anthropologist from the University of Oklahoma, along with additional media releases. Unfortunately, no new leads or information as to whom "Jane Doe" was developed. She was buried on December 7, 1982, in a rural Bloomington cemetery. The investigation slowly wound down, due to a lack of additional information.
In 2016, the McLean County Coroner's Office was contacted by an individual who was researching the case and presented some information they had developed. The case was reopened and this information was investigated by MCSO detectives, but did not lead to the identification of "Jane Doe". Her DNA was uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and an entry for the McLean County "Jane Doe" was submitted to NamUs. No hits or leads were developed from either upload, and the investigation was suspended due to a lack of new information.
In January of 2021, the Coroner's Office received a communication from another individual who was researching the case. Based on the strength of the information for a possible candidate, the case was reopened and investigated by MCSO detectives. Ultimately, it was determined through comparison of DNA samples that "Jane Doe" was not the missing person from the tip. A review of the 1982 reports compiled by the involved law enforcement agencies was undertaken, and a timeline was developed to gain a better understanding of her movements prior to her death. In March of 2021, investigation of the case was suspended due to a lack of new information.
In August of 2023, MCSO Criminal Investigation Department was contacted by an investigative genetic genealogist with Moxxy Forensic Investigations regarding this case. After several conversations with Moxxy and MCSO Command Staff, a meeting was held, and it was decided to reopen this investigation and pursue it further.
Through their work in investigative genetic genealogy, Moxxy Forensic Investigations has identified a number of previously unidentified deceased individuals and perpetrators of violent crimes, in addition to their advocacy for unreported missing person cases. A fundraising campaign was initiated by Moxxy Forensics and in November of 2024, the project goal was reached. In February 2025, Moxxy Forensic Investigations commenced genealogical analysis, and by late March, had developed a potential candidate for “Jane Doe”. Living genetic relatives of “Jane Doe” were identified, and a sample from one was taken and directly compared to “Jane Doe’s” profile, with their close genetic relationship confirming the identity of “Jane Doe”.
On August 1, 2025, following a final round of comparative testing, it was determined that “Jane Doe” was, in fact, Linda Cecilia Haddad, born August 27, 1942 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She would have been 39 years old at the time of her death.
The breakthrough came as a result of a collaboration with Moxxy Forensic Investigations, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in investigative genetic genealogical analysis, the McLean County Coroner's Office and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office.
By partnering with Atlanta, Georgia-based organization Genologue to sequence an existing DNA profile and Parabon NanoLabs of Reston, Virginia to conduct bioinformatics, a digital kit was developed and uploaded to the public DNA database GEDmatch. Seven of Moxxy’s
investigative genetic genealogists conducted a month-long investigation before developing a viable lead that ultimately connected Linda’s DNA profile with relatives who were able to assist in confirming her identity.
“Due to recent immigration in Linda’s ancestry from Lebanon, Ireland, and Québec, which are greatly underrepresented demographics in public DNA databases used for investigative genetic genealogical research, our team is very appreciative that some of her DNA matches were willing to assist us in sharing their family history, which helped lead us to Linda,” said Bryan Worters, assistant case lead. “This could have been a case that took years to resolve, but thanks to help from her extended family and unique ancestry, Linda was able to be identified much sooner.”
“Linda’s case is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when science, compassion, and determination come together,” said Kaycee Connelly, case lead and co-founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations. “Despite the challenges posed by the underrepresentation of her paternal DNA, our team persevered and built a strong connection through her maternal line. We are truly honored to have helped bring her home.”
Linda’s family has been notified and has provided the following statement:
Linda grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with her parents, older sister, and golden retriever Michael. Her father brought home fish and chips every Friday evening, which her family would often eat together on the banks of the Charles River near their home. Like her mother and sister, Linda had great style and dressed elegantly. She attended the same all-girls prep school as her older sister, where she made many close friends, some of whom are still in contact with her family today. The family spent summers at their cabin in Spencer, Massachusetts, where Linda enjoyed many hours playing with her sister, swimming in the lake, and appreciating the outdoors.
Linda’s family and friends love her and have missed her greatly. We want to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated individuals at Moxxy Forensic Investigations, McLean County Coroner’s Office and the McLean County Sheriff’s Department, who went to great lengths to identify and locate us. We also want to thank the people of Le Roy, Illinois, who helped and cared for Linda in her time of need. After 42 years of searching and wondering, we are relieved to finally have some answers.
“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the skilled professionals at Moxxy Forensic Investigations and their partners,” said Sheriff Matt Lane. “Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in helping us bring resolution to this case and, most importantly, closure to the family and everyone impacted. I also want to recognize the outstanding investigators from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office, past and present, who worked tirelessly to retrace Linda’s steps and ultimately uncover her identity. Their commitment to resolving this investigation and compassion for the victim will not be forgotten.”
The McLean County Coroner's Office, McLean County Sheriff’s Office and Moxxy Forensic Investigations extend their deepest condolences to Linda Haddad’s loved ones and thank all who supported the efforts to raise funds to cover the costs to identify and restore her name.
Latest News Articles
Do you have an RSS newsreader? You may prefer to use this newsletter's RSS feed at: