Unidentified Vero Beach female murder victim identified after 42 years
On March 12, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida, shared the exciting news that a 42-year-old local cold case murder had finally been solved thanks to advances in genetic testing.
On September 1, 1982, deputies responded to a scene along west State Road 60 where a female was discovered deceased in a canal beside the road. Despite their best efforts at the time, the victim remained unidentified, and her death was classified as a homicide, leaving unanswered questions lingering for decades.
In 2023, a collaboration was established between the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), fueled by a shared commitment to bring closure to this cold case. Using resources from the Unidentified Human Remains grant, IRCSO, FDLE and in tandem with the company Parabon, law enforcement officials embarked on a journey of genetic testing to unravel the mystery.
Through their detective work, a glimmer of hope emerged – a possible half sibling was identified through genetic testing. Contact was established, leading to a breakthrough: confirmation from the half sibling determined that the victim was indeed their missing relative, Evelyn Horne Townsend. Evelyn was born on May 9, 1939, and hailed from Perry, Florida.
Helen was 43-years-old at the time of her murder. When Helen was killed, she had an 18-year-old daughter who will be turning 60 this year.
“Shocked and stunned is an understatement for myself and my family,” said Debra Townsend Dubois, Evelyn’s daughter. “It’s a shock to me,” said Levon Horne, Evelyn’s brother. “I’m still absorbing this.” ~ WPBF
“Genetic genealogy has proven time and time again to be an essential investigative tool to help bring law enforcement closer to solve decades-old cold cases,” says FDLE Senior Crime Intelligence Analyst Supervisor Debbie Abney.
“The diligent work by our Genetic Genealogy Investigations team, in partnership with Parabon NanoLabs, and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office helped to bring a long-overdue identification to the victim in this case.”
As the pieces of Evelyn’s identity fell into place, so too did the resolve to seek justice for her tragic demise. The investigation into her homicide continues which is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office to pursue truth and accountability, no matter how much time has passed. In the pursuit of closure, Evelyn’s memory will be honored, and her story will continue to guide our search for justice.
At a March 12 press conference, IRCSO Sheriff Flowers, accompanied by Helen’s daughter and brother, said that his office have newly identified persons of interest connected to Helen’s death, but that, “Unfortunately, they are deceased. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop trying to find out what happened to her and how she ended up there.”
You can check out Sheriff Flowers’ March 12 press conference here.
Rest in Peace Evelyn Horne Townsend
–
(Source and photo of Evelyn Horne Townsend: Indian River County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
