Fifty Years Later, Michelle Collier Finally Identified | Bakersfield News

After nearly 50 years, a cold case from 1978 has finally been solved — a young girl found buried in a Kern County vineyard, long known only as Jane Doe, has been identified as 15-year-old Michelle Louise Collier. Thanks to forensic genealogy, persistent detectives, and help from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, her family now has answers — and closure. Her older sister delivered a powerful message to the killer, vowing justice will be served. While the identity is confirmed, the motive and perpetrator remain unknown — and the investigation is now officially active. Authorities are urging families with missing loved ones to consider DNA testing, as it could be the key to unlocking long-buried truths. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5fd5e4cd3bf39a16