DNA identifies woman in 1993 dismemberment case
State and county authorities say DNA and genetic genealogy in 2026 identified a woman once known as "Bone Lake Jane Doe" as Denise Elaine Sexton Hartley, 27, and the homicide probe remains active with no arrests.[1]
Her severed head was found June 12, 1993, on the shoreline of Bone Lake in Scandia; a foot was later recovered from Pig's Eye Lake in St. Paul.[1] The DNA Doe Project, family reference samples and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed the match.[1]
The DNA Doe Project opened a Bone Lake Jane Doe case page on August 31, 2022, and began fundraising to extract and upload the victim's DNA for genetic genealogy analysis. By June 2025 the project had obtained reference samples from potential relatives, including in Columbus, Ohio, which fed into the work that produced this identification.
Washington County officials announced the identification and urged anyone with information to call 651-430-7850 as the investigation continues.[1] The DNA Doe Project has identified more than 150 unidentified decedents since its founding in 2017.
The mainstream summary does not mention the broader context of unidentified remains in the United States, where estimates suggest there are as many as 40,000 unidentified human remains at any given time, with over 11,000 sets held in medical examiner and coroner offices. This statistic highlights the significance of the DNA Doe Project's work, which has identified over 150 unidentified decedents and worked on more than 250 cases since its inception in 2017. The acknowledgment of such a large number of unidentified remains underscores the importance of advancements in genetic genealogy as a tool for solving cold cases, which the summary frames as a singular event rather than part of a wider trend in forensic science.
Additionally, while the mainstream account emphasizes the identification of Denise Elaine Sexton Hartley, it does not delve into the implications of this case for future investigations. The rise of forensic genetic genealogy, driven by the growth of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and public databases, has transformed how law enforcement approaches cold cases, suggesting that this case is not just an isolated success but part of a significant shift in investigative practices. This context enriches the understanding of the case's importance beyond just the identification of a victim, framing it within the evolving landscape of forensic technology and its impact on unsolved cases.[2][3]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📊 Relevant Data
The DNA Doe Project has identified more than 150 unidentified decedents since its founding in 2017 and has worked on over 250 cases of unidentified remains.
DNA Doe Project — dnadoeproject.org
Estimates suggest there are as many as 40,000 unidentified human remains nationwide at any given point in time, with over 11,000 sets held in medical examiner and coroner offices according to the 2018 Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners.
NamUs: Home — National Institute of Justice
📌 Key Facts
- Victim identified as Denise Elaine Sexton Hartley, 27, youngest of 15 children, last known to be in St. Paul in 1993.
- Her severed head was found June 12, 1993 on the shoreline of Bone Lake in Scandia; a foot was later found in Pig’s Eye Lake in St. Paul.
- Identification was achieved in 2026 through DNA and genetic genealogy with the DNA Doe Project, family samples, and confirmation by the Minnesota BCA; the homicide investigation remains active with no arrests.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time