Investigators hope new sketches crack cold cases

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Deputies are trying to identify two people who were found dead in the county. A woman was found in the late 1970s, while a man was found in 2003. They hope new sketches can help investigators get answers.

The Unsolved Case Unit at the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is working to find the families of the two victims. “Jane Doe” was found near what is now Hooper Road in the Leland area on December 8, 1979. She was wearing a tan sweater, red scuffs over knee-high stockings and black pants. She was wearing a gold Snoopy watch with a yellow band. Investigators believe the woman was African American between the age of 42 and 55. The cause of death could not be determined.

“John Doe” was found on November 3, 2003 in the median of US 17/74/76 near US 421, but deputies think he died sometime between 2000 and the date he was found. Black steel-toed boots, size 10, along with green/blue fabric labeled “Fruit of the Loom” size L42-44 and a ”PB SPORTS” baseball cap were among the items found with him.

The unit, with the help of a deputy from Wake County, now have these sketches to help find the families.

“To be able to go to a family member and say we’ve got them, or we’ve identified that this is your daughter or your son, or we’ve been able to charge this man with the death of your family member,” said Capt. Phil Perry.

Deputies are also working with forensic anthropologists at NC State University to get more information.

Anyone with information on either victims is asked to contact the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.