Mystery lingers after remains found in 1996 ID’d as missing mom, Maryland officials say
A woman’s remains found in the woods in March 1996 were identified due to advancements in DNA technology and the persistence of police, officials in Maryland announced.
Following the discovery of her remains off Falls Road in Baltimore County, the woman had been known as “Falls Road Jane Road” for 29 years, according to county officials.
“Despite extensive investigative efforts,” authorities had been unable to identify her, officials said in a March 27 news release.
Now, part of the mystery has been solved.
Further investigation revealed the remains are of Leoria Smith, a 20-year-old woman who was likely last seen at a club called “Underground” in Baltimore, where Smith celebrated her birthday in November 1984, officials said.
Smith was a mother of a baby girl when she vanished, according to officials.
“Leoria’s disappearance was unknown to detectives due to it never being reported to authorities,” officials said.
Smith’s daughter, Tierra Ashby, who’s now 40, spoke about her mother at a news conference on March 27, WBAL-TV reported.
“It’s something that I wanted answered for a very long time, but (I) was caught by surprise because I wasn’t expecting it to happen at the time that it did,” Ashby said.
In April 2021, the Baltimore County Police Department began working with DNA Labs International, a laboratory based in Broward County, Florida, to try to solve the mystery of “Falls Road Jane Doe’s” identity, officials said.
With access to new forensic investigative genetic genealogy technology, the laboratory tested samples from Smith’s remains, developing a DNA profile, according to officials.
The laboratory’s genealogists then provided police with “new investigative leads,” officials said.
Investigators followed the leads and carried out several interviews, according to officials, who said investigators also had additional DNA samples tested.
Their combined efforts resulted in Smith’s identification.
Answers sought in ‘suspicious death’
Investigators aren’t finished — and still have questions.
“While detectives now know Leoria’s identity, the search for answers surrounding her suspicious death continues,” officials said.
In 1996, Smith’s remains were discovered by tree trimmers, WBAL-TV reported.
At the time of the discovery, she had on blue jeans, a pinstriped blouse with pearl buttons, a leather jacket and wore “high-top style shoes,” officials said. Gold hoop earrings were also found nearby.
Ashby, who now has children, said at the news conference that “my kids never got to experience a grandmother, so it is a lot of mixed emotions,” WJZ-TV reported.
“But I am happy she can get put to rest,” Ashby added.
Baltimore County officials said that Smith went to Gwynns Falls Park Junior High School in the late 1970s through 1980.
They also said she was a regular at “Underground,” where investigators believe she was “possibly last seen alive.”
The county is calling on the public for more information.
“Anyone who knew Leoria Smith, or may have photographs of her, is being asked to contact Baltimore County detectives at 410-887-3943,” officials said. “Information may also be provided through the Baltimore County iWATCH program.”
This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 3:14 PM with the headline "Mystery lingers after remains found in 1996 ID’d as missing mom, Maryland officials say."
.jpg)