I wanted to provide important updates about the case and share ways that you can help with where the case currently stands. Importantly, it has become clear that WCJD is very likely a victim of “The Red Head Murders.” I was able to connect with Shane Waters of the Foul Play Podcast and discuss some of his extensive work on the Red Head Murders case. I highly recommend his eight part series on the case for detailed information. During Shane’s coverage of the case, a sociology class in at a high school in Elizabethton, Tennessee also took interest in the string of unsolved murders. Wetzel County Jane Doe is one of six likely victims named in the course of this class with the help of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations.
Together with the TBI, the sociology class worked to profile victims and potential suspects. In 2019 the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations announced a suspect had been identified in one of the six connected murders. The TBI press release named Jerry Leon Johns as a suspect in the murder of Tina Marie Mckinney Farmer who was previously known as the Campbell County Jane Doe. Johns was an independent trucker who operated out of Tennessee and traveled through many states in the south and east. Johns had been arrested and sentenced in a case of attacking and strangling another woman, who survived. He passed away in prison in 2015 at the age of 67. Law enforcement stated that if he were alive, he would be indicted on first degree murder at this time. The discoveries that led to this information include new DNA testing of old evidence.
The Campbell County Jane Doe was found along Interstate 75 in Campbell Co, Tennessee on January 1, 1985. Ultimately, investigators were unable to determine the identity of the woman and she was listed as a Jane Doe. In 2016, evidence including clothing and a blanket were resubmitted to the TBI Crime Lab for additional testing. Results matched to Jerry Leon Johns. An additional break in the case came when a missing persons blog featured Tina Marie Mckinney Farmer, and investigators were able to compare finger prints they had taken in 1985 to fingerprints in her home state of Indiana, giving Jane Doe her name back.
The TBI has been able to identify three of the six unidentified victims by using new DNA testing and by using leads that have been generated since getting the cases back out into the public. At this time, it is believed that WV Wetzel County Jane Doe is Jerry Leon John’s first victim. I am now asking for help to get the testing for Jane Doe done in a timely manner.
Redgrave Research Forensic Services of Massachusetts have offered to test available materials. They have an excellent record of identifying Jane/John Doe’s and are eager to help. I spoke again with Naomi Beaty, who had WCJD buried in her family plot. She is adamant that the medical examiner at WVU kept both a tooth and hair sample for the purpose of future DNA testing, but says she would absolutely be agreeable to an exhumation in order to get answers in this case. She recently spoke with the funeral home that buried Jane Doe and discussed the possibility of an exhumation if necessary. They too are willing to do whatever it takes to get answers.
At this time, the only thing stopping the DNA testing of the Wetzel County Jane Doe is a signature on a piece of paper from Bill Henderson of the Paden City Police Department. After reaching out via email, phone, and letter I am now asking for the public’s help in letting Cpl. Henderson know of your support of testing the evidence. I respectfully acknowledge that there are many responsibilities of law enforcement including new cases each day. However, he is the detective on this case and ultimately the deciding factor in whether Jane Doe gets her name back.
Because Jerry Leon Johns passed away in prison before he could be held accountable for her death, it feels more important that ever to do this for her.
Please help me shine a light and reach out to:
An example of a call to action email:
Hello Cpl. Henderson,
My name is __________________. I am a concerned citizen and requesting the testing of evidence in the Wetzel County Jane Doe case of 1983. It has been brought to my attention that the genetic genealogy team has been unable to get a response from you or your department. I am especially interested in seeing this case closed with the DNA testing that is available. I will continue to follow up and work toward a resolution of this cold case.
Sources:
Shane Waters, Foul Play Podcast
Naomi Beaty, Interview
Generation Why Podcast, Shane Waters episode “Red Head Murders”