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DPS seeking identity of “Amethyst Doe”

MEDIA RELEASE: The Texas Rangers’ Unsolved Crimes Investigative Program and the DPS Missing Persons Clearinghouse are renewing efforts to identify this woman, after her body was dumped on the side of the road in Gray County in the Texas Panhandle more than 10 years ago. The woman was discovered with two rings containing purple stones that look like amethyst— the birthstone for February—earning her the affectionate nickname of “Amethyst Doe.” 

Although the facial reconstructions and drawings are rooted deeply in science, they should not be considered exact likenesses. 

The white female was discovered near the town of McLean near Business I-40, just off exit 141, by a worker mowing in the area on Aug. 12, 1999. The woman had been deceased about a week and foul play was never ruled out. “It is possible the woman is actually from a state in the direct vicinity around Texas,” said Texas Ranger Chief Tony Leal. “Identifying her could help us ascertain how she died and perhaps bring closure or provide answers for loved ones.” Experts put the woman’s age range at the time of death at 33-45 years old, her weight at 130-150 pounds and her height between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall, with medium-length, brownish-red hair. The sculptures represent the younger age and lighter weight possibilities; the forensic drawings depict how she may have appeared in life at the latter end of the age and weight variables. All images, produced by Rangers’ Forensic Artist Suzanne Lowe, represent the same unidentified woman. 

Additional information on “Amethyst Doe,” including details based on pathological and anthropological examinations: She had a small mouth, with severe tooth and oral bone loss, numerous fillings and tooth decay. Her four lower front teeth were missing in life. She was large-breasted and possibly experienced pregnancy in her lifetime. Her right leg and foot were deformed and shorter than the left. The right ankle had been fused with a screw, possibly causing her to walk with a limp. She had a healed left shoulder fracture. She was wearing a dark-blue tank top, blue denim shorts and “Reebok” tennis shoes that were in poor condition, with inserts. 

The woman’s fingerprints and DNA are on file and have been run through numerous state and national databases, without identification. A DNA test from a living relative could be used to identify the woman. Anyone with a blood relative missing since 1999 or before, whose situation aligns even slightly with this case, is urged to call the Texas Rangers. 

For more information on this case, please visit the DPS Missing and Unidentified Persons Clearinghouse at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/mpch/unidentified.htm#. You can use the DPS case number (U9908001) or the date the victim was found (Aug. 12, 1999) to locate additional information on the DPS website. Law enforcement encourages anyone with a missing relative to submit a familial reference sample of DNA by contacting the agency that investigated their relative’s disappearance. The process is simple and free, usually consisting of a simple cheek-swabbing, but must be done through a law enforcement agency. 

Anyone with information that could be helpful in this investigation should contact Texas Ranger Jay Foster at 940-937-3122 or the DPS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3243.

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