Remains found in Pennsylvania over 50 years ago are identified as teen girl who went missing

Teenager’s Remains Identified After 50 Years #

The remains of a teenager missing since 1973 have been identified through advanced DNA analysis. In October 1973, game wardens discovered decomposed remains in Union Township, Pennsylvania, but were unable to identify them, referring to the girl as Jane Doe. Over 50 years later, the remains were confirmed to be Ruth Elizabeth Brenneman, a 14-year-old from York, Pennsylvania, who vanished shortly after the start of the school year.

In 2016, police exhumed the remains for DNA analysis, having previously failed to identify Ruth. Breakthroughs in genealogy technology enabled the discovery of her identity. Born on November 26, 1958, Ruth left for school one day and never returned. Her remains were found approximately 50 miles from her home months later. It remains unclear whether her disappearance was ever reported to authorities at the time.

Investigators, as part of the genealogy research, interviewed relatives, reviewed past news articles, and examined court documents. “It’s 51 years later, and they always had that unanswered question, and finally with the investigation we were kind of able to give that answer to them.”

The case underscores the impact of investigative genetic genealogy in resolving cold cases and identifying unknown remains. “But it was with the advancement of technology that was our hope to kind of keep moving forward.”

While authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Ruth’s death, the manner of her death remains officially undetermined. An investigation into her last known activities continues. “There’s another part of this investigation, and it’s not over yet, so we need to keep going.” Investigators have offered a $5,000 reward for information related to the case.