Baltimore Co. Police Seeking Assistance Closing 1976 Cold Case

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)--Police need your help closing in on a cold case more than three decades old. The woman was found murdered in Baltimore County in 1976 and investigators have been unable to identify her, or the killers.

WJZ's Tracey Leong has more.

For 39 years, the case has been called "The Woodlawn Jane Doe".

A woman, with  her neck and hands bound with rope, was found in the 5600 block of Dogwood Road near the Woodlawn Cemetery on September 12, 1976,

"Her cause of death was ruled to be asphyxiation, she had a rag stuffed down into her throat," said Detective Dave Jacoby, Baltimore County Police.

She was found covered with a bedsheet, and three bandanas over her face, one with slits cut out for her eyes.

Over the years, Baltimore County Police have had several items analyzed, recently ordering a pollen analysis to narrow down her identity.

"The pollen on her clothing came from the northeast part of the country particularly upstate New York and Boston area," Det. Jacoby said.

Near her body were farm seed bags and keys, all items manufactured in upstate New York.

Leading detectives to believe she is either from upstate New York or Boston.

Photographs show what she may have looked like.

Police believe she was in her 20's, had short brown hair and the letters "JP" tattooed on her upper right arm.

Detectives are urging those who may known her to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866 7LOCKUP.