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Elko County to place headstone after identification in decades-old "Shafter Jane" cold case
Summary
After investigators identified a woman long known as "Shafter Jane," the Elko County Commission approved purchasing and placing a headstone to restore the victim's name and honor investigative partners, citing DNA/genetic genealogy and multiagency work that linked a male DNA contributor and a proposed suspect.
The Elko County Commission voted June 3 to approve spending from contingency to purchase and place a headstone for a woman long known as "Shafter Jane," following investigators' identification of the victim and new investigative leads.
Lieutenant Doug Fisher of the Elko County Sheriff's Office summarized the multi-decade case and the recent breakthroughs that led to the identification. Fisher said detectives reprocessed autopsy evidence, ran DNA and forensic genetic genealogy analyses, and used digital-data searches and interagency work to develop leads. "In January 2022, the Elko County Sheriff's Office received a forensic genetic genealogy analysis and investigation report from Identifinders International. Their report identified Roger Lee Durkee... as a proposed suspect," Fisher said. He also described subsequent field work, a Milwaukee investigation, and digital evidence retrieved from Durkee's devices.
Undersheriff Justin Ames and Lieutenant Fisher credited partners who assisted in the case, including the Washoe County crime lab, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, the FBI (including VICAP and CART), and Identifinders International. Retired FBI special agent Brian Fry, who worked with local law enforcement on the case, told commissioners the case was a priority for multiple FBI divisions and praised the local team.
Commissioners approved the headstone purchase and photo opportunity; the board also recognized detectives and outside partner agencies for their work in identifying the victim. The motion passed by voice vote. The sheriff's office said it is coordinating with the victim's family about next steps and memorial details.
