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How investigators just ID'd remains of Ravenna woman found in Pa. 46 years ago
PERRY COUNTY, Pa. (WJW) — Human remains discovered in south-central Pennsylvania 46 years ago have been identified as those of a missing Ravenna woman.
According to a release from Pennsylvania State Police, the remains were found along Route 322 in Watts Township on June 20, 1979. They were severely decomposed and mostly skeletonized.
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They were found over an embankment along the shore of the Juniata River.
The remains were identified as those of a woman, thought to be roughly 15 to 30 years of age, between 5'2″ and 5'9″ tall with brownish blonde hair.
Investigators have continued to look into the case as technology has developed over the past 46 years. Recent advancements in DNA analysis and genetic genealogy prompted additional investigation in 2023.
After analysis on two molars belonging to the woman, a distant family member was identified. Through additional DNA, other family members in the Ravenna area were found.
The woman was identified as Dorris Joanne Girtz, originally of Ravenna/Streetsboro. She would have been 23 at the time of her disappearance.
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The cause and manner of her death are under investigation.
Anyone with information on Girtz during the years of 1977 to 1979 or with information relating to her disappearance or death are asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police Newport Station at 717-567-3110 or PSP Tips at 1-800-472-8477.
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