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Investigators identify Jane Doe found dead in Mississippi River after more than 50 years
By KGNS — Sitewide
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
CLINTON CO., Iowa. (KWQC/Gray News) - Investigators identified the body, who they believed to be the longest known Jane Doe in Iowa.The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.In April 1975, Clinton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a dead woman in the Mississippi ...
Key takeaway The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The identification of Cheryl Lynn Edwards, a 15-year-old girl found dead in the Mississippi River over 50 years ago, brings closure to a case that had gone cold for decades. This breakthrough is a testament to the power of forensic genetic genealogy in solving crimes that had otherwise stumped investigators. For Laredo residents, this story may seem distant, but it highlights the impact of advancements in forensic technology on local law enforcement's ability to crack cold cases. As Laredo's own law enforcement agencies continue to work on unsolved cases, the use of genetic genealogy could potentially bring resolution to families who have been searching for answers for years. The Edwards case serves as a reminder that even the oldest cases can be solved with persistence and the right tools, giving hope to families in Laredo who are still seeking justice for their loved ones.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CLINTON CO., Iowa. (KWQC/Gray News) - Investigators identified the body, who they believed to be the longest known Jane Doe in Iowa.The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.In April 1975, Clinton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a dead woman in the Mississippi ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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