Positive Identification in Rural Hall Jane Doe Case

Press Release from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

Positive Identification in Rural Hall Jane Doe Case

Rural Hall, NC— A positive identification has been made by the DNA Doe Project in a 6-year-old Jane Doe case being investigated by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).

On September 10, 2019, a hunter discovered human remains in a wooded area off the 6000 block of University Parkway in Rural Hall, NC. An extensive search of the area provided no information as to the identification of the remains or the cause of death. The bones were examined by a forensic anthropologist who estimated that the bones had been in the woods for approximately seven months.

When further forensic testing could not identify the victim, the case was taken to the DNA Doe Project, an organization with expert investigative genetic genealogists who work pro bono to identify Jane and John Does. Extensive investigation and testing led the organization to identify distant cousins, then

related surnames, and eventually, the name of the victim.

The Jane Doe was positively identified as Maria del Socorro Medina Trejo, a 43 year-old Hispanic female who had lived in Winston-Salem, just a short distance from where her remains were found. “The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to all the investigators, scientists, and experts whose diligence paid off in finally making this positive identification. Please note that this is only the first step in bringing justice to the family, and the FCSO will continue to examine this case until all possible leads have been thoroughly investigated and it can be officially closed.” Major Lane Koontz

Anyone with information related to this case or other criminal activity should

contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office directly at 336-727-2112; anonymously text information, photos, and video via Text-A-Tip at 336-920-8477; or anonymously call Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800 for English or 336-728-3904 for Spanish. To report information concerning juvenile behavior or request juvenile intervention resources, call our Juvenile Intervention and Investigation Team (JIIT) number at 336-917-7030; you may remain anonymous.