APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — A teen whose body was found in the desert in 1992 has her name back, according to the DNA Doe Project.
The Apache Junction Jane Doe has been confirmed to be 15-year-old Melody Harrison of Phoenix, the project said in a news release.
Harrison's previously unidentified body was found on Aug. 6, 1992 in a desert area south of US Highway 60 and west of Idaho Road. She had been reported missing from Phoenix in June 1992, according to the Apache Junction Police Department.
The remains were believed to have been there for three to five weeks before they were found.
"Although she has been identified, the investigation continues as to how she ended up in the far east portion of the Valley, over 40 miles away from her residence," Apache Junction Police said in a news release.
The DNA Doe Project said Harrison was identified due to "relentless efforts" by Apache Junction Investigator Stephanie Bourgeois and innovative investigative genetic genealogy techniques deployed by the project.
Bourgeois was able to get a grant to help with the cost of expensive lab work which eventually led to Harrison being identified.
Investigators are still left with questions about how Harrison died and who might be responsible.
“There is peace of mind having found Melody’s identity and sharing with her family, but there isn’t closure surrounding the circumstances of her death,” Bourgeois said. “We are still searching to find out how she might have passed away.”
The Apache Junction Police Department wants information from anyone who can shed light on Melody’s presence in Apache Junction during the time of her disappearance in 1992. Any details regarding her close friends or relationships could be instrumental in solving this case.
If anyone has information regarding this case, we encourage them to contact Silent Witness at 480-W-I-T-N-E-S-S, 480-948-6377, or 480-T-E-S-T-I-G-O for Spanish speaking. They can also leave an anonymous tip on their website at silentwitness.org. Responses can be completely anonymous and could earn a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the suspect(s) of this crime.
This is a developing story; additional details will be added when they become available.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
Silent Witness:
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.