Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, has been the site of several unsolved mysteries, including the cases of the unidentified female bodies found in its waters. Two such cases, known as the “Lake Michigan Jane Doe,” have captured the attention of investigators and the public alike.
The 1988 Lake Michigan Jane Doe
On April 8, 1988, the body of a woman was discovered floating in Lake Michigan near the town of New Buffalo, Michigan. Initial reports suggested that the woman was white, but further investigation revealed that she was actually a Black woman.
Circumstances of Death
The circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain a mystery. Her body was found in the lake, but the exact cause and manner of her death are still unknown.
Identification Challenges
Efforts to identify the woman have been challenging. Despite extensive investigations, she has remained unidentified for over three decades.
Exhumation and DNA Analysis
In a recent development, the Michigan State Police exhumed the woman’s body on November 9, 2021, to collect DNA samples. This step was taken in the hope of finally identifying the woman and shedding light on the case.
The 2021 Lake Michigan Jane Doe
On August 15, 2021, the body of a 19-year-old pregnant woman was discovered floating in Lake Michigan near Waukegan, Illinois.
Identification and Autopsy
Through dental records comparison, the woman was identified as Yarianna G. Wheeler, a missing pregnant woman from Chicago. The autopsy revealed several sharp force injuries on her body, indicating that her death was a homicide.
Ongoing Investigation
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the case as a homicide and is seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect(s) involved. The official cause of Yarianna’s death is still pending.
Key Details
| Detail | 1988 Lake Michigan Jane Doe | 2021 Lake Michigan Jane Doe |
|---|---|---|
| Circumstances of Death | Body found floating in Lake Michigan near New Buffalo, Michigan | Body found floating in Lake Michigan near Waukegan, Illinois |
| Identification | Initially believed to be white, but later identified as a Black woman | Identified as Yarianna G. Wheeler, a missing pregnant woman from Chicago |
| Autopsy and Injuries | Cause and manner of death unknown | Autopsy revealed sharp force injuries, indicating a homicide |
| Investigation Status | Remains unidentified after over 30 years | Ongoing homicide investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office |
If you have any information that could help solve these cases, please contact the authorities:
- For the 2021 case, contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847-377-4000.
References
- https://www.lakecountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/41872/8-27-21-UPDATE-Detectives-Believe-Woman-Has-Been-Identified
- https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2023/05/jane-doe-found-dead-in-lake-michigan-in-1988-was-black-not-white-as-police-believed.html
- https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Lake_Michigan_Jane_Doe_%281988%29
- https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2021/08/28/coroners-office-confirms-lake-michigan-jane-doe-was-missing-pregnant-19-year-old-from-chicago/