Description
In October 1997 the body of a young Hispanic woman was found on the side of a road in Phoenix. She was wearing sneakers, a white tank top and blue jeans, with a handful of pesos in her pocket. She had scars on her right hand, had brown eyes and long brown hair. She appeared to have died of hypothermia and dehydration.
Late in October 2018, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner sent a blood card to the DNA Doe Project’s sequencing lab. After passing a quality check to determine that the DNA was in a sufficient condition and quantity, it is now undergoing sequencing. We have set up a Doe-Nate Fund for her to cover the costs of her DNA testing.
NamUs #UP2064
Date Found Oct 4, 1997
Gender Female
Estimated Age 20-27
Estimated PMI Days
Location Phoenix, AZ
Agency of Jurisdiction
Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office
Christen Eggers, Medical Examiner
602-506-2083
Links to More Information
https://www.phoenix.gov/policesite/Documents/091226.pdf
https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/2064/
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/574ufaz.html
http://unidentified.maricopa.gov/search.aspx?caseNum=97-2708
Image Credit: Image Credit: Stephen Missal
Status
Identified
The identity of Phoenix Jane Doe 1997 has been made and confirmed by the Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit of the City of Phoenix Police Department as Bertha Alicia Holguin Barroteran. DNA Doe Project 
worked on her case since the winter of 2018, however, we did not provide the break in the case. Credit for that really goes to Jennifer Skeivik, who discovered Bertha’s body 22 years ago. Jennifer was recently interviewed in the media, resulting in the case being publicized. After Jennifer’s interview, the story was circulated among social media and advocacy groups and eventually caught the attention of a family member.
We’ll post more details when they have been released, but here is a link to the breaking story on the woman who became know as Phoenix Jane Doe 1997.
https://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/phoenix-police-detectives-solve-22-year-old-cold-case
Our deepest condolences go out to Bertha’s family.”
Phoenix Jane Doe was fully funded through fundraising efforts of the DNA Doe Project. Thank you to the Dyer Family Foundation for their generous contribution that allowed us to top her off with matching funds. Thank you to all of our generous supporters who donated and shared her link.
Last Updated: February 9, 2024
