In January 1985, police found mixed skeletal remains of two people in a wooded area of Malabar, Florida. One woman was identified at the time, but the other remained unknown for more than 40 years.
Police now say the unidentified remains belonged to Jeanette Marcotte, who was last seen in Saskatchewan in the early 1980s. Her identity was confirmed last week through DNA testing by a private company that helps solve cold cases.
The second set of remains belonged to Kimberly Walker, whose disappearance had been linked to a suspected serial killer known as the “vampire rapist.” Investigators believe both women may have been victims of John Crutchley, a convicted rapist who lived in Malabar at the time.
Crutchley was never convicted of murder, but police found identification belonging to Walker and other women among his belongings. He died in prison in 2002 after being convicted of rape and kidnapping.
Investigators say identifying Marcotte brings some closure, even though many questions remain. It is still unknown how she ended up in Florida or how she died. Authorities in Canada said they were unable to find records related to her disappearance.
Police worked with DNA experts and universities to solve the case, but officials say the full truth may never be known.
