The body of the young woman was found by a farmer October 2, 1976, in a ditch by his farm in Seneca, Illinois. The murder scene was along rural U.S. Route 6, roughly 50 miles away from Chicago. She had been shot in the head and despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, her identity remained unknown. She was eventually buried namelessly at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery in November 1976.

For nearly half a century there were no promising leads or breaks in her case which frustrated John Callahan who was the Grundy County Coroner at that time.

Case Reopened

In the year of 2017 Grainy County Coroner’s Office thought to revisit this unsolved murder on an assumption that modern forensic techniques could shed some light about victim’s identity. The body of victim was unearthed in December 2018 and DNA samples were obtained for testing.

Brandon Johnson, the person leading this renewed effort emphasized that kind resources available now where not present during initial investigation.

The corner’s office approached DNA Doe Project for help which is nonprofit organization focusing on identification of unidentified individuals through genetic genealogy. However, it posed great difficulty because JoAnne Smith had been adopted making it harder to put together her family tree.

DNA doe Project’s genealogists spent four and half years to assemble her family tree and finally able to identify three sisters one of whom was Smith’s biological mother. The confirmation came from adoption records located in probate court in Cincinnati.

Closure for Family

JoAnne’s brother, Ronnie Smith, was just eight years old when she vanished from their home in Cincinnati. Her disappearance had always haunted their family for all these years.

The news of identification brought about conflicting feelings in Ronnie. He said that they always hoped Vicky was alive somewhere, but now it’s clear she is not. While the identification cleared up the mystery surrounding JoAnne’s fate, it also brought back painful memories.

Justice Quest

Now that JoAnne’s identity is confirmed, focus lies on finding her killer. Ronnie remains hopeful, pronouncing his belief that whoever did this will be delivered at justice if they are alive today.

In hunt for killer, investigators are revisiting previously explored leads as well as exploring new ones hoping to finally solve this heinous crime. The same advanced DNA technology which helped identifying JoAnne may prove effective in unmasking her killer.

Community and Official Reactions

William Button who served as Grundy County coroner in 1976, expressed awe at the resolution of case.” Unbelievable”, he said,”That speaks volumes about what DNA can do”. John Callahan took a personal interest into this case as he felt obligation towards victim who was someone’s daughter or sister. The resolution stand as witness to the dedication and tenacity of Coroner’s office along with DNA Doe Project.

Looking Forward

Her remains will be shifted next to where her parents were buried hence giving her a proper resting place. Her family has started an online fundraiser to receive some help with burial expenses. A Celebration dedicated for JoAnne’s life is scheduled this weekend in Ohio. But many queries remain which need to be resolved. Ronnie Smith expressed hope that if investigation was able complete JoAnne’s identity, it could probably find out who her killer was as well.

Summing Up

Identifying JoAnne “Vicki “Smith after about fifty years of her brutal death holds significance in respect of scientific advancement and persistence in investigation. For her family this brings some peace alongside hope that justice will be served soon. The pain suffered by JoAnne’s family over the years emphasizes how important it is to try and bring resolution to unresolved cases, for grieving families.