By admin 
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Gray News) – A 15-year-old girl who was found dead in a shallow grave on a California vineyard nearly 50 years ago has been identified, according to authorities.
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During a press conference, the Kern County Sheriff’s Department identified the teen as Michelle Louise Collier.
The teen was last seen in February 1978 before a tractor operator found her body in a shallow grave at a vineyard four months after her disappearance.
She was then known only as Jane Doe, and her cause of death was ruled a homicide. But without an identity for the victim, the case went cold.
The remains were buried at Arvin Cemetery in November 1978 after investigators were unable to identify them through fingerprints, dental X-rays or other forensic methods available at the time.
The case was reopened multiple times over the following decades as forensic science advanced.
The breakthrough finally came in 2025 when investigators turned to forensic investigative genetic genealogy.
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Investigators developed a DNA profile from Collier’s remains and identified potential relatives through genetic genealogy.
A member of Collier’s family, Cynthia Dunbar, spoke at the press conference about what it means for them to finally be able to bring their loved one, who she referred to as “Shelley,” home.
“To our sister Shell. You didn’t deserve to die this way, Shelley,” she said. “Barely 15 years old, still a child with your whole life ahead of you. I’m sorry that we didn’t protect you.”
She continued, saying, “Your cowardice act affected our entire family — but make no mistake, law enforcement will find you and hold you accountable,” Dunbar said. “Whether you are already incarcerated or dead, you will be found. May God bless your soul, because you are going to hell, if you’re not there already.”
The sheriff’s department said the investigation will continue.
Authorities said no suspect information was available for public release, but identifying Collier changes the investigation.
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