(FIRST & SECOND) Yellow metal Claddagh ring with bridged setting, heart-shaped clear stone held by hands and crowned with another small, round, clear stone
(FIRST) Yellow metal “twisted” chain with a clear “Hershey Kiss-shaped” pendant
(SECOND) Clear “Hershey Kiss-shaped” pendant
Los Angeles Jane Doe (November 1999)
- DATE OF DISCOVERY: November 17th, 1999
- LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90012, USA
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 1999
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: 10 minutes
- CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Charred/burned
- CAUSE OF DEATH: Vehicle accident (auto/auto)
- SEX: Female
- ESTIMATED AGE: 18 – 35 years old
- RACE: Uncertain (possibly Asian)
- WEIGHT (MEASURED): 146 pounds (66.2245 kg)
- HEIGHT (ESTIMATED): 5’0” – 5’6” (60 – 66 inches; 152.4 – 167.64 cm)
- EYE COLOUR: Unknown
- HAIR: Unknown
- DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
- Dental work evident; no missing teeth during life
BACKGROUND
On the night of November 17th, 1999, a woman was driving a maroon-coloured 1985 Mitsubishi Galant on the 101 Freeway near Western Avenue in Los Angeles, California, when she stopped in the southbound number three lane, possibly due to car troubles, though it is unknown why she stopped. The Galant was then hit from behind by another vehicle, which caused the Galant to burst into flames. Authorities and paramedics were called who subsequently pronounced the driver of the Galant dead at the scene.
Authorities discovered that the Galant had been registered about four months prior to a man with the surname “Yoo”. When contacted, the man said he had sold the vehicle a few months prior after it was registered in his name. He claimed to not recall any information about the individual he sold the car to. The buyer apparently did not update the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with their information, which is likely why it was still registered under Yoo’s name. According to the DoeNetwork, Yoo’s daughter was later located, but claimed to know nothing about the unidentified woman.
The victim’s race could not be determined, but the DoeNetwork and some articles claim she may have possibly been Asian. She was between 18 to 35 years old, weighed approximately 146 pounds, and stood between 5’0” to 5’6” in height. Her hair and eye colour could not be determined.
The woman was found wearing a yellow metal Claddagh ring with a bridge setting. This ring had a clear heart-shaped stone held by hands, and a round, small, clear stone above it.
The woman was also wearing a yellow metal “twisted” chain necklace with a clear Hershey Kiss-shaped pendant on it. Personally, the pendant looks like it’s made of glass; possibly lampwork or hand blown?
One white metal earring was also possibly found, though I only see this noted on NamUs and the DoeNetwork, but not on the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s website or the 2019 news release from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
As she had a Claddagh ring on, could there be chance she is Irish or was gifted to it by someone who is Irish? I’ve had a Claddagh ring in the past that I thrifted, but the one Jane Doe was found wearing seems more “fancy” with the stones, as a lot of Claddagh rings I see (including the one I owned) do not seem to have stones often.
Claddagh ring’s feature a heart which symbolizes love, a crown which symbolizes loyalty, and two hands clasped which symbolizes friendship. They are given and worn for many different reasons. According to My Irish Jeweler, Claddagh rings are often worn or given in romantic relationships “…either as a promise ring or to mark an engagement, or wedding.” They are also given and worn for platonic relationships “Claddagh rings are regularly given as special momentos to family members or dear friends. They are ideal for celebrating a unique friendship and are a particularly popular gift from parents or grandparents to young people coming of age here in Ireland. Some of our team here at My Irish Jeweler still have small Claddagh rings given to them by their grandparents on their communion.”
Some people wear them just because they like them/the look of them, though! So, it really is difficult to know. I thought I’d add the information about it anyway, just in case.
CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
- Yellow metal Claddagh ring with bridged setting; heart-shaped clear stone held at the sides by hands and crowned with another small, round, clear stone (Size not stated)
- Yellow metal “twisted” chain necklace with a clear “Hershey Kiss-shaped” pendant
- One white metal earring
IDENTIFIERS
- Dentals: Unknown (dental work evident; no missing teeth)
- Fingerprints: Not available
- DNA: Available
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION
AGENCY ONE
- Agency Name: Los Angeles County Coroner
- Agency Contact Person: Betsy Magdaleno (Medical Examiner Investigator, Identifications)
- Agency Phone Number: 323-343-0512
- Agency Email: IDUnit@coroner.lacounty.gov
- Agency Case Number: 1999-07845
AGENCY TWO
- Agency Name: California Highway Patrol – Central
- Agency Phone Number: 213-744-2331
- Agency Case Number: 99-110403
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NCIC Case Number: U560002915
- NamUs Case Number: #UP3384
- DoeNetwork Case Number: 972UFCA
- Former Hot Case Number: 210
REFERENCES