Cold Case – “Parrott’s Ferry Jane Doe” – Help Us Solve Jane’s Homicide and Identity!
September 2, 2025 – Calaveras County Sheriff's Office officials report that on October 9, 2015, the partial remains of a woman were discovered beneath the Parrott’s Ferry Bridge in Calaveras County, CA, during a drought.
Investigators believe the body had been weighed down with a large chain deep underwater before record-low water levels revealed the remains. Due to the potential depth and temperature of the water beneath the Parrott’s Ferry Bridge, the exact amount of time that she was underwater is unknown. However, expert analysis of her remains reveals that she was likely submerged for at least 18 months, or at least since mid-2013.
The Calaveras Cold Case Task Force has contracted with a Forensic Genetic Genealogist who has spent over 600 hours tracing Parrots Ferry Jane Doe’s DNA. The closest relative that she has been traced to is currently about four generations removed from her in terms of relationship.
Parrott’s Ferry Jane Doe has left few clues about her identity.
Her DNA Suggests:
- Her maternal lineage hails from southern Europe.
- She likely has one French Canadian Parent whose ancestors moved from France to Quebec, and then to Michigan in the United States.
Parrott’s Ferry Jane Doe Information:
- Female, age 25 – 45 at the time of death (estimated).
- Height: 4’8” – 5’3” (estimated).
- Only clothing recovered: black mesh velour women’s undergarments (no tags/labels)
- She may have had brown to dark brown/black hair and pale to medium colored skin.
DNA ANALYSIS IS ONGOING.
This case, known as “Parrots Ferry Jane Doe,” remains unsolved.
If you have any information, please call the Anonymous Tip Line at (209) 754-6030.
For more details about the Calaveras County Cold Case Task Force, visit www.calaverascoldcase.org.
Source & photos: Calaveras County Sheriff's Office
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