DNA helps identify body 55 years later

BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Sheriff's investigators in Boulder County, Colo., say they used DNA tests to identify the body of a Jane Doe found in Boulder Canyon 55 years ago.

The investigators said Wednesday the body found in a canyon embankment in 1954 is that of Dorothy Gay Howard, an 18-year-old Phoenix woman who left her family's home a month before her remains were discovered, The Denver Post reported Thursday.

Howard's identity was determined by testing DNA from the Jane Doe with DNA from Howard's sister, whose identity was not reported.

Local historian Silvia Pettem, who helped lead authorities to the woman's identity through her Web site boulderjanedoe.com, said Howard's family wants to keep details of why the teen was in Boulder private.

"I promised the family I would respect their privacy," said Pettem, who was contacted by an out-of-state woman regarding the possibility that Jane Doe may be Howard. "I think this was a shock to them."

Investigators told the Post they would continue to investigate the possibility the woman's death was the work of serial killer Harvey Glatman.