Unidentified AND MISSING

Dedicated to bringing awareness to unidentified people

Tag: Vehicle Accident

Los Angeles Jane Doe (November 1999)
(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 17^th, 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 17^th, 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
May 11, 2026
Jacksonville Jane Doe (July 2025)
Reconstruction by FaceLogics (15 August 2025)

Jacksonville Jane Doe (July 2025)
- DATE OF DISCOVERY: July 21^st, 2025
- LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, 32208, USA
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2025
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Not stated (likely minutes)
- CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Traumatic injuries
- CAUSE OF DEATH: Vehicular homicide (auto/pedestrian)
- SEX: Female
- ESTIMATED AGE GROUP: Adult
- RACE: African American
- WEIGHT (MEASURED): 139 pounds (63.0493 kg)
- HEIGHT (ESTIMATED): 5’4” – 5’6” (64 – 66 inches; 162.56 – 167.64 cm)
- EYE COLOUR: Brown
- HAIR: Black (short; curly)
- DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
  - Tongue piercing (with white metal tongue ring jewellery)
  - Nipple piercings (with white metal nipple ring jewellery)
  - Possible birthmark on right side of abdomen
BACKGROUND

At around 3:30 p.m., on July 21^st, 2025, a woman was struck and killed in a hit-and-run when crossing the street “…at the intersection of Wainwright Circle near Edgewood Avenue” in Jacksonville, Florida. Authorities responded and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The person that hit the woman did not stop after hitting her and then fled the scene. I will note that one or two sources claim that she was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead, by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office do state that she was found deceased at the scene of the crime. Some also state that the hit-and-run occurred between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m., while the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office state that it was “around 3:30 p.m.”.

The authorities discovered that the person who hit and killed the woman was named Durrell Bradley. Bradley was arrested in early August of 2025. On August 15^th, 2025, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stated that Bradley was being held at the “…John E. Goode Petrial Detention Facility (Duval County jail) facing a felony charge for leaving the scene of a deadly crash”, but I am unsure what happened after this.

The victim is believed to be an adult African American woman. She weighed 139 pounds and stood at 5’4” to 5’6” in height. She had brown eyes and black, short, curly hair. She also had a tongue piercing and both of her nipples pierced. She had a possible birthmark on the right side of her abdomen.

She was found wearing a black sleeveless tube dress. She also had white metal jewellery in her tongue piercing and both of her nipple piercings.

Sadly, there is not much more information about this woman or her case.

CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
- Black sleeveless tube dress (No brand or size noted)
- White metal tongue ring
- White metal nipple rings
IDENTIFIERS – I could not find any information regarding identifiers
- Dentals: Unknown
- Fingerprints: Unknown
- DNA: Unknown
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION

AGENCY ONE
- Agency Name: Jacksonville Medical Examiner’s Office – District 3 & 4
- Agency Phone Number: 904-255-4000
- Agency Case Number: 25-01500
AGENCY TWO
- Agency Name: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
- Agency Phone Number: 904-630-0500
- Agency Email: JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org
- Agency Case Number: 25-418446
AGENCY THREE
- Agency Name: First Coast Crime Stoppers
- Agency Phone Number: 1-866-845-8477 (1-866-845-TIPS)
- Agency Website (Submit a Tip): Tip Form
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP149415
REFERENCES
May 2, 2026
Moore Jane Doe (February 2026)
Image by the Moore Police Department

Moore Jane Doe (February 2026)
- DATE OF DISCOVERY: February 28^th, 2026
- LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Moore, Cleveland County, Oklahoma, 73160, USA (35°17’45.0″N 97°28’59.0″W (35.295833, -97.483056))
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2026
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Minutes
- CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Traumatic injuries
- CAUSE OF DEATH: Struck by vehicle (train/pedestrian)
- MANNER OF DEATH: Not stated/Unknown
- SEX: Female
- ESTIMATED AGE: 16 – 28 years old
- RACE: Caucasian / Uncertain
- WEIGHT (MEASURED): 133 pounds (60.3278 kg)
- HEIGHT (MEASURED): 5’2” (62 inches; 157.48 cm)
- EYE COLOUR: Blue
- HAIR: Brown
- DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES: None noted
BACKGROUND

On February 28^th, 2026, a woman was struck by a train near Indian Hills Road, east of Interstate 35 in Moore, Oklahoma. Shortly before, she was seen standing on the tracks.

The victim is described as a possibly Caucasian (NamUs also stated ‘Uncertain’) 16- to 28-year-old girl/woman. She weighed 133 pounds and stood at 5’2” in height. She had blue eyes and brown hair.

She was found wearing a black tank top, black/animal print jacket/hooded sweatshirt, black shorts/capris, a white bra, and white underwear. Black pants with zippered pockets and sneakers were found nearby.

CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
- Black tank top (Brand “Jenny”; size “L”)
- Black/animal print (possibly a Jaguar-type animal print/pattern) jacket/hooded sweatshirt (No brand or size noted)
- Black shorts/capris (Brand “Mark, Force, & Strike”; “no size”)
- White bra (No brand or size noted)
- White underwear (No brand or size noted)
Near the body, the following was noted
- Black pants with zippered pockets (Brand “The North Face”; style “Apex”; Mens; size “34”)
- Sneakers with red logo and gray and black accents (Brand “Nike”; style “REAX Run 5”; size “US 9”)
IDENTIFIERS – I could not find any information regarding identifiers
- Dentals: Unknown
- Fingerprints: Unknown
- DNA: Unknown
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION

AGENCY ONE
- Agency Name: Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner – Central District
- Agency Phone Number: 405-239-7141
- Agency Case Number: 2601263
AGENCY TWO
- Agency Name: Moore Police Department
- Agency Phone Number: 405-793-5171 / 405-793-5109
- Agency Email: dgrant@cityofmoore.com
- Agency Case Number: 26-4590
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP156660
REFERENCES
May 1, 2026
Baltimore Jane Doe (August 1996)
(FIRST) NCMEC Reconstruction (Artist and date unknown)
(SECOND) The Baltimore Sun (August 8th, 1996)

Baltimore Jane Doe (August 1996)
- DATE OF DISCOVERY: August 6^th, 1996
- LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Baltimore, Maryland, 21229, USA
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 1996
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Minutes
- CAUSE OF DEATH: Vehicle accident
- SEX: Female
- ESTIMATED AGE¹: 18 – 25 years old
- RACE: African American
- HEIGHT (ESTIMATED)²: 5’7” (67 inches; 170.18 cm)
- WEIGHT (ESTIMATED)³: 170 – 190 pounds (77.1 – 86.2 kg)
- EYE COLOUR: Brown
- HAIR: Brown (with “very long” braids)
- DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
  - Dental fillings present in some of her teeth
BACKGROUND

On the night of August 6^th, 1996, a woman was struck by an Amtrak train near the 3100 block⁴ Lohrs Lane in Southwest Baltimore, Maryland. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The only other information I could find about the accident is an article from The Baltimore Sun, published August 8^th, 1996. In this article, it states that she was struck by the train “…while walking next to railroad tracks…” and that the “Washington-bound Northeast Direct left Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Station shortly before the 10:20 p.m. accident and had crossed the Gwynns Falls when the side of the engine struck the woman as she jumped from one concrete railroad tie to another…”

The woman was African American, possibly between 18 and 25 years old¹, weighed around 170 to 190 pounds³, and stood at about 5’7” in height². She had brown eyes and brown hair with “very long” braids, though I could find no actual length of her hair/braids noted anywhere.

She was found wearing a green t-shirt with a “large multi-coloured decal on the front”, blue sweatpants, red underwear, a black bra with flowers on it, brown lace-up shoes, and was possibly wearing a tri-coloured ring.

CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following were discovered
- Green t-shirt with a large, multi-coloured decal on the front (No brand or size noted, no further description/information given of the decal)
- Blue sweatpants (No brand or size noted)
- Black bra with flowers on it (No brand or size noted)
- Red underwear (No brand or size noted)
- Brown lace-up shoes (No brand or size noted)
- Tri-coloured ring (No brand or sized noted, no further description/information given)
NOTES – Things of note or discrepancies found during research
- ¹ AGE – NCMEC, DoeNetwork, and Unidentified Wiki list her age range as 18 to 25 years old, while NAMUS lists it as 18 to 60 years old.
- ² HEIGHT – NCMEC, DoeNetwork, and Unidentified Wiki list her height estimate as 5’7”, while NAMUS notes “Cannot Estimate”.
- ³ WEIGHT – DoeNetwork lists her estimated weight as a range between 170 to 190 pounds, while NAMUS and Unidentified Wiki lists it as an estimated 179 pounds specifically.
- ⁴LOCATION – The Baltimore Sun article notes that she was struck “…near the 3100 block of Lohrs Lane”, while DoeNetwork nptes “…in the 3200 block of Lohrs Lane”. No other source mentions the block, so I am inclined to believe the article released two days after her death, and that the ‘3200’ was a mistype or misread.
IDENTIFIERS
- Dentals: Available (fillings present in some teeth; which teeth, how many, etc. is not noted)
- Fingerprints: Available
- DNA: Not Available (DoeNetwork notes “Sample not retained.”)
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION

AGENCY ONE
- Agency Name: Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
- Agency Contact Person: Charlotte Noranbrock
- Agency Phone Number: 410-333-3225
- Agency Email: info@ocmemd.org
- Agency Case Number: 96-04420
AGENCY TWO
- Agency Name: Baltimore County Police Department
- Agency Phone Number: 410-887-2222
- Agency Email: bcopd@baltimorecountymd.gov
- Agency Case Number: 968H04175
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NAMUS Case Number: #UP1388
- The Doe Network Case Number: 1042UFMD
- NCMEC Case Number: 1184454
- NCIC Case Number: U955724611
- Former Hot Case Number: 1059
REFERENCES
April 19, 2026
Albuquerque John Doe (January 1986)
The Albuquerque Tribune (06 January 1986)

Albuquerque John Doe (January 1986)
- DATE OF DISCOVERY: January 5^th, 1986
- LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, 87102, USA
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 1986
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Not stated (likely minutes)
- CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Traumatic injuries
- CAUSE OF DEATH: Vehicle accident (auto/pedestrian)
- SEX: Male
- ESTIMATED AGE: Not stated
- RACE: Caucasian
- WEIGHT (MEASURED): 142 pounds (64.4101 kg)
- HEIGHT (MEASURED): 5’4” (64 inches; 162.56 cm)
- EYE COLOUR: Blue
- HAIR: Brown (straight, approximately 1.5 cm long (approx. 0.59 inches) in length)
- DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
  - SCAR (STERNUM TO BELLY BUTTON): 10-inch (approx. 25.4 cm) well-healed midline vertical scar from the sternum to the belly button
  - Multiple tattoos, including –
    
    RIGHT BICEP: Cross (blue-black; described as “non-professional”)
    
    LEFT BICEP: Two overlapping hearts with banners (blue-black)
    
    INSIDE OF LEFT FOREARM: Cross with the number “83” (blue-black; described as “non-professional”)
BACKGROUND

On January 5^th, 1986, a man attempting to cross the intersection of Broadway Boulevard and Central Avenue Southeast in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was struck by a car driven by Richard Lucero. According to an article by The Albuquerque Tribune (06 January 1986), Lucero told police “…the man apparently misjudged Lucero’s car’s speed as he tried to cross the intersection on foot.” This sounds like the man was crossing the street when the crossing lights/indicators for pedestrians were not on, but this is not confirmed. The man was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital where he passed away. “Lucero was not cited.”

The victim is described as a Caucasian male who weighed approximately 142 pounds and stood at approximately 5’4” in height. An age estimate is not given on NamUs. He had blue eyes and brown hair was straight and approximately 1.5 cm in length.

The man had a 10-inch, well-healed midline vertical scar that went from his sternum to his belly button. He also had multiple tattoos, including a blue-black cross on his right bicep, described as “non-professional”, two blue-black overlapping hearts with banners on his left bicep, and a blue-black cross with the number “83” on the inside of his left forearm (also described as “non-professional”) The tattoo on his left bicep was not described as “non-professional” while the other two were. I am unsure if this is a mistake and all three were, or if that one seemed to have been done professionally and it was not noted.

The man was found wearing blue denim “Levi’s” jeans and a black belt with a silver buckle. Two white handkerchiefs and a black comb were found in pockets of his jeans. No shirt, shoes, underwear, etc. are noted, just the pants and belt, so I am unsure if he was wearing anything else.

CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
- Blue denim jeans with button fly (Brand “Levi’s”; size not noted)
- Black belt with silver buckle (No brand or size noted)
- Two white handkerchiefs (in pocket of jeans)
- Black comb (in pocket of jeans)
IDENTIFIERS – I could not find anywhere with information on identifiers
- Dentals: Unknown
- Fingerprints: Unknown
- DNA: Unknown
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION

AGENCY ONE
- Agency Name: Albuquerque Police Department
- Agency Phone Number: 505-768-2020
AGENCY TWO
- Agency Name: New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator
- Agency Phone Number: 505-272-3053
- Agency Case Number: 0986-01031
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP151969
REFERENCES
- NamUs (#UP151969)
- Jan 06, 1986, page 7 – The Albuquerque Tribune
April 19, 2026
Beckley John Doe (July 1972)
(FIRST) Photo from NamUs of gravestone
(SECOND) Photo from NamUs (The Raleigh Register, 01 January 1973)

The Raleigh Register (01 January 1973)

(FIRST) Beckley Post-Herald (25 July 1972)
(SECOND) The Raleigh Register (13 December 1973)
(THIRD) The Raleigh Register (24 July 1972)

(FIRST) The Raleigh Register (25 July 1972)
(SECOND) The Charleston Daily Mail (24 July 1972)
(THIRD) The Raleigh Register (11 August 1972)

(FIRST) Beckley Post-Herald (25 July 1972)
(SECOND) Beckley Post-Herald (24 July 1972)

Beckley John Doe (July 1972)
- DATE OF DISCOVERY: July 23^rd, 1972
- LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia, 25801, USA
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 1972
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Hours
- CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Traumatic injuries
- CAUSE OF DEATH: Vehicle accident (auto/pedestrian accident)
- SEX: Male
- ESTIMATED AGE¹: 17 – 21 years old
- RACE: Caucasian
- WEIGHT²: Cannot estimate as per NamUs (possibly between 160 – 165 pounds; 72.575 – 74.843 kg)
- HEIGHT³: 6’0” (72 inches; 182.88 cm)
- EYE COLOUR: Unknown
- HAIR: Dark reddish-brown (possibly wavy)
- DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
  - Moustache
  - “Medium build”
  - Possible scar/laceration of left foot “…described as being similar to a glass cut”
    
    Noted to have been “healed and showed no signs of sutures.”
BACKGROUND

At approximately 8 p.m., on July 23^rd, 1972, a man walking southward along the U.S. 19-21 bypass in Beckley, West Virginia, was struck by a 1967 model car being driven by William (Bill) Webster Rutledge who was driving while intoxicated. The car struck the man which knocked him over a small embankment. The car “…then careened approximately 300 feet and stuck a parked car…” The man was taken to Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Earlier in the day on the 23^rd, the same day as the accident, the unidentified man was hitchhiking when another motorist picked him up in Sutton. After the accident, this motorist came forward to police after seeing the news.

Shortly after the accident (within a few days), another motorist came forward to police after seeing the news of the accident. This motorist had picked up the hitchhiking man earlier in the day on the 23^rd in Sutton and dropped the man off at Rural Acres Drive in Beckley. The location the man was dropped off at was approximately one fourth mile (¼) from the location of the accident. During the drive, the man told the motorist that he was on his way to his hometown of Bluefield (likely West Virginia, though there is a Bluefield in Virginia as well) so that he could get his birth certificate in order to join the Army. The man also told the motorist that he was raised in Chicago, Illinois, and that both of his parents were deceased. The man never told the motorist his name.

After the accident, authorities in West Virginia sent the man’s fingerprints and picture to authorities in Chicago and checked police records and birth records in Bluefield, and possibly Chicago, but nothing came of these.

The man is described as Caucasian, between 17 to 21 years old¹. He stood at approximately 6’0” in height³, and his weight is listed as “cannot estimate”, but articles from the time of his death do note him to be between 160 and 165 pounds². He had dark reddish-brown hair that was possibly wavy, and his eye colour is listed as “unknown”. He had a moustache (described as a “small” moustache) and was described as having a “medium build”. He also had a scar/laceration on his left foot which was noted to be “similar to a glass cut”. He was wearing black “Levis” brand pants, a blue and grey checkered shirt, and black “jungle” boots which had the name “John Durfee” stencilled in them. He “…had only one penny in his pocket.” (Beckley Post-Herald, 25 July 1972)

In an article by BDT Online (published 5 February 2018) states that the “John Durfee” (whose name was found in the unidentified mans boots) was located by authorities in August 1972. According to John Durfee, he sold the boots to a Chicago pawn shop (it is not noted when he sold them, however).

As per the BDT Online article, “The young man’s photograph was once available, but finding it after almost 50 years would be difficult.”

The man was buried on August 2^nd, 1972, in the Tom Lilly Cemetery in Ghent, West Virginia. His gravestone states:

“UNKNOWN MALE
KNOWN ONLY TO GOD
DIED JULY 23, 1972
AGE BETWEEN 19 TO 21”

As for the man who murdered John Doe, William Rutledge obtained only minor injuries from the accident. “He was treated for cuts to his forehead and released from the hospital.” (The Raleigh Register, 25 July 1972)

As per an article by The Raleigh Register (published 25 July 1972), Rutledge was charged with negligent homicide and placed in the Raleigh County Jail but was released the next day (Monday, the 24^th) after posting bond. Rutledge was also charged by State Police with driving while intoxicated, driving after his license was revoked, and fraud. The fraud charge was in relation to when Rutledge “…had made false application for operator’s license.” Rutledge then posted a $500 bond “…on each of the four charges and waived to the action of the Raleigh County grand jury.”

As per an article by The Raleigh Register (published 13 December 1973), Rutledge was arraigned on the 12^th of December. Rutledge was “…meted a 12-month suspended jail sentence by Judge Lilly [Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge C. Berkley Lilly]”. Rutledge “…was placed on two-years’ probation and fined $500.”

Another article by The Raleigh Register (published 21 May 1976) titled “Court to Try Misdemeanours Beginning June 1” lists trials and dates set to begin June 1^st, 1976 regarding misdemeanour cases “…in the Intermediate Division of Raleigh County Circuit Court.” In this, William Webster Rutledge is noted down for June 14^th, with a misdemeanour charge of drunk driving. I believe this is a separate case than our Doe’s case.

Something interesting I found while looking for articles regarding this case were a few articles from 1957 about a “William Webster Rutledge” that was charged with maiming and driving while intoxicated in Raleigh County, but the ages do not seem to match up even though it sems like a big coincidence. The 1957 articles list him as 35, but the Rutledge involved in the Doe’s case was apparently 43 in 1972, meaning he would have been approximately 28 in 1957 and thus is not the same person, unless an age was reported incorrectly or a false age was given to authorities at some time.

Sadly, to me at least, it does not feel like Rutledge got enough time for killing a man. I wish there was more information out there about the Doe and his case. I am hoping that Doe’s photograph is found one day and shared as it would be very helpful.

I also want to note that for some reason NamUs states his estimated year of death as “1972-1975”. I have no idea why, he passed on July 23^rd, 1972. I also do not know why they could not estimate his weight or possible eye colour as he was found at maximum a few hours after his death. I know he is noted as “not recognizable – traumatic injuries”, but I feel like at least weight could be estimated, and articles from the time do say he was 160 to 165 pounds.

CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
- Blue and grey checkered shirt (No brand or size noted)
- Black pants (Brand “Levis”; no size noted)
- Black “jungle” boots (Possibly had the name “John Durfee” stencilled in them) (No brand or size noted)
- One penny in a pocket
NOTES – Things of note or discrepancies found during research
- ¹ AGE – NamUs notes his age as 17 to 21 years old. Articles found note him as many different estimated ages/ranges, but they are all very similar. Articles have noted him as “18 to 20”, “18 to 22”, and “estimated … about 20”.
- ² WEIGHT – NamUs notes his weight as “cannot estimate”. I am unsure why, as he was found at most hours after his death. Some articles note him as 160 to 165 pounds, however.
- ³ HEIGHT – NamUs, and some articles, note his height as 6’0”. Some articles note his height as 5’10”, however.
IDENTIFIERS
- Dentals: Not available
- Fingerprints: Not available
- DNA: Available
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION

AGENCY ONE
- Agency Name: West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
- Agency Phone Number: 304-558-6920
- Agency Case Number: DA-72184
AGENCY TWO
- Agency Name: West Virginia State Police – Troop 6, Beckley Detachment
- Agency Contact Person: Mark Painter
- Agency Phone Number: 304-872-0800
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP17375
- DoeNetwork Case Number: 3121UMWV
REFERENCES
April 19, 2026