A Cold Case Cracked: Family Reunited After Decades

In a remarkable turn of events, a decades-old mystery has been solved, thanks to the efforts of forensic science students and advanced technology. The case involves a woman found injured in a field in Woodstock, Maryland, back in 1971. She was treated in a hospital but never regained consciousness and passed away two months later. For years, she was known only as "Jane Doe. " Fast forward to recent times, and a team of dedicated students from Loyola University Maryland played a crucial role in identifying the woman. They sent fingerprints to various police departments, created facial reconstructions, and tested old histology slides for DNA. Their hard work, combined with modern technology, finally led to a breakthrough. The woman was identified as Sadie Belle Murray, also known as Sarah Belle Sharkey. Born in Pennsylvania in 1924, her identification brought a sense of closure to her two living adult children. Charles Sharkey and Mildred Cantwell, now in their late 70s, were reunited after nearly 70 years apart. This reunion is a testament to the power of perseverance and technological advancements in solving cold cases. The children had been searching for answers for years. Charles Sharkey had even traveled to Pennsylvania and Cleveland, where they were born and adopted, but his efforts were fruitless. The identification of their mother brought them closure and a chance to reconnect. "I thought I'd never connect again with my family, " Charles Sharkey said. "Being reunited with my brother is awesome, " Mildred Cantwell added. Police are now working to uncover more details about why Sharkey was in Howard County and the circumstances surrounding her murder. The case highlights the importance of modern forensic techniques and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to solve cold cases.