Esther Granger, a teenage girl who died from childbirth complications in 1866, was identified using forensic genealogy technology in a cold case investigation. Her skull was found in a wall in Illinois in 1978, but it wasn’t until 2024 that DNA testing confirmed her identity. The case, which highlighted advancements in forensic technology, involved a fundraiser to identify the remains and collaboration between various professionals to create an artist rendition of Granger. Despite the skull being found decades ago, it wasn’t until recent developments in genetic genealogy that her identity was determined. The Kane County Coroner’s Cold Case Team worked with Othram Laboratories, a forensic sequencing lab, to create a DNA profile that matched a living relative of Granger. The identification process involved raising funds through a crowdfunding campaign and testing DNA samples from potential descendants. Eventually, a second great-grandson of Granger’s was confirmed as a match, leading to her official identification. Granger was laid to rest in a private ceremony in August, ending decades of uncertainty about her identity. The case demonstrates the importance of perseverance, modern DNA technology, and collaboration in solving cold cases and providing closure to families of unidentified individuals.
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Indiana teen who died in 1866 identified as skull found in wall
