After 27 years, the kin of a vanished Metro Detroit adolescent, discovered deceased in Highland Park, finally finds solace.
The Jane Doe, revealed to be Mindy Clevidence, was declared by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Thursday. In May of 1996, unidentified remains of a youthful maiden were stumbled upon in an alleyway nestled in Highland Park, Michigan.
The 17-year-old's remains were uncovered in a Highland Park alleyway in 1996, yet she remained anonymous. Across the years, several NCMEC forensic experts endeavored to ascertain the girl's identity through DNA analysis, yet no matches were made at the time.
Her identification eventually transpired with the assistance of NCMEC’s collaboration with Innovative Forensic Investigations (IFI), and Intermountain Forensics (IMF).
In May of 2023, with still no breakthrough in identification, NCMEC collaborated with law enforcement, initiating the submission of the case to Intermountain Forensics, who successfully constructed a DNA data file.
"That data file was then handed to genealogists affiliated with Innovative Forensic Investigations, who incorporated the profile into ancestry databases and conducted the research," the statement conveyed.
"During the Summer of 2023, a breakthrough via forensic genetic genealogy facilitated Mindy’s identification," articulated Jennifer Moore, CEO of Innovative Forensics. "We hold in high regard our continual collaborative endeavors with NCMEC and pledged from the outset of our involvement in the case, to grant this young lady the dignity of her name. Our sympathies and prayers are extended to her family as they confront this new chapter in their lives."
According to the NCMEC, the Highland Police Department pursued the case fervently, dedicating numerous hours and resources to unveil the young girl’s identity.
"I want Mindy’s family to be aware that our sympathies and prayers are with them. We acknowledge this to be an exceedingly trying period and although it brings a measure of closure, it also evokes poignant recollections and unanswered inquiries," stated Highland Park Police Chief James McMahon. "Our department extends gratitude to our collaborators, NCMEC, Intermountain Forensics, Innovative Forensic Investigations, the Michigan State Police, and The Wayne County Prosecutors Office.
"The diligence exhibited by all these entities is truly commendable. Absent the aforementioned partners, this achievement would have remained elusive."
In October of 2015, Highland Police, with NCMEC's assistance, exhumed the remains of Highland Park Jane Doe to subject them to forensic examinations and update the case in accordance with contemporary investigative standards.
The Highland Police Department classified Mindy Clevidence’s demise as a homicide and affirmed that the inquiry is ongoing.
"Unveiling Mindy’s identity marks an initial stride in the process. Now is the time to seek justice for Mindy," expressed McMahon. "Over 27 years have elapsed since her tragic demise, yet I am confident that someone possesses information crucial to apprehending her assailant. We implore anyone privy to details pertaining to Mindy's case to contact The Highland Park Police Department."
The family, through NCMEC, issued this statement. "We express gratitude for the tireless efforts expended by the Highland Police Department and NCMEC in aiding us to draw one step nearer to unraveling the enigma surrounding Mindy's fate and ultimately securing justice for her. We beseech for privacy as we navigate through this challenging phase. We entreat anyone possessing information regarding Mindy’s untimely demise to promptly alert the authorities."
Mindy was discovered between Cortland and Richton Streets in Highland Park. She was attired in a white T-shirt embellished with yellow and black smiley faces, a white skirt, white socks, white athletic shoes, and adorned with a teddy bear timepiece.
Should you possess any information concerning Mindy Clevidence’s homicide or her activities leading up to her untimely demise in 1996, kindly reach out to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office at 313-318-8516 or NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
The protracted enigma was unraveled owing to the unwavering dedication and collaboration among the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Highland Police Department, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
"We extend our gratitude to our steadfast partners, who invest their time and invaluable resources to unearth answers in these intricate cases," articulated Carol Schweitzer, who oversees NCMEC’s forensic services unit.
"No matter the duration, we remain resolute that resolution is attainable."
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