The skull of a teenage girl who died from childbirth complications in 1866 was found in a wall of an Illinois home in 1978 and remained unidentified until 2024 when advancements in forensic technology led to her identification as Esther Granger. DNA testing compared the skull’s DNA with that of a living descendant of Granger, confirming the match. The case showcased the importance of cold case investigations and highlighted the role of forensic genealogy in solving long-standing mysteries. The identification marked the oldest case of unidentified human remains solved using Othram Laboratories’ technology and the ninth successful forensic genetic genealogy identification in Illinois. Esther Granger was born in 1848 and was buried in Lake County, Indiana after her death at the age of 17. Her remains may have ended up in Batavia due to grave robbing practices in the 19th century. Granger’s identification was a result of years of investigation, fundraising efforts, and collaboration with modern DNA technology. She was laid to rest at West Batavia Cemetery in a private ceremony attended by her second great-grandson, representatives from the coroner’s office, and the Batavia Police Department. The successful identification provided closure and restored the identity of the individual known as Jane Doe back to Esther Granger.
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Teen from Indiana who died in 1866 identified as the skull found in wall
