LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Investigators hope a new rendering of the remains of a child found by hikers in southern Nevada may help solve a case that has gone unsolved for nearly 20 years.

On February 5, 1995, near an old sand mine in the Overton area, two hikers entered a cave and encountered a skull. Investigators determined the skull belonged to a girl between the ages of 3 and 7.

Investigators determined that the skull was from a recent death, despite the fact that the area is known for Native American cemeteries. The case remained at the federal level National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Recently, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office sent photos of the skull and case details to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

A team of forensic artists and forensic anthropologists worked to perfect a realistic rendering of the child named “Jane Overton Doe.”

Years ago, forensic artists needed remains to reconstruct a face. Now with a CT scan and photographs, artists can use the technology to their advantage to increase the accuracy of their images.

“We’re trying to get as many eyes on her within the organization, law enforcement, the coroner, before the public sees the image,” said Colin McNally of NCMEC’s ​​forensic imaging unit, who spent 15 hours working on the image. for Jane Overton Doe. The artists also have expertise in forensic anthropology.

“I have to say how important it is for us to remove as much bias as possible and make sure we’re giving the best possible picture,” McNally said. “At the end of the day, we’re not just trying to produce a beautiful rendering. We try to be as accurate as possible,” he said.

“It’s going to draw attention and it’s going to be a beacon of hope for people who might be interested in the case and at the end of the day it’s going to try to get as many leads as possible,” McNally said.

Anyone with information can contact the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office at (702)455-3210, reference case number 95-00523.

You can also contact National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Copyright 2024 KVVU. All rights reserved.