A chilling case that had remained unsolved for over two decades has finally seen resolution, with the identification of Deanna Smith, whose body was found in 2003 but remained a mystery until 2023. Smith, an Indianapolis native, was identified through groundbreaking forensic technology developed by Othram, a private DNA lab that worked alongside the Indiana State Police (ISP) and Owen County officials to solve the case.
Deanna Smith went missing in 1999, and her body was discovered near a wooded ravine on South Franklin Road in Owen County while a man was preparing to build a home. The discovery of her remains prompted an investigation, but despite efforts, her identity remained unknown. Investigators initially believed the woman was between the ages of 25 and 45, with evidence pointing to her death occurring at least a year before her body was found. A significant clue in the case was a medallion inscribed with “Corline S. Likes Steve P. Love” and an American flag, along with the words “GOOD LUCK” and a four-leaf clover on the back.
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The case, referred to as the Owen County Jane Doe (2003), went cold for years, but in 2023, a breakthrough came when the ISP and Owen County Coroner’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram. Using DNA technology, scientists at Othram successfully created a DNA profile, which led to a genetic genealogy search. This search ultimately identified relatives of Smith, who provided DNA samples that confirmed the woman’s identity as Deanna Smith.
The identification was publicly announced on October 6, 2023, revealing that Smith was between 36 and 40 years old at the time of her death. While the case has been resolved in terms of identity, it remains an active homicide investigation. ISP Cold Case Detectives are urging the public to come forward with any information that may help in the investigation.
This case marks the 12th cold case in Indiana to be solved using Othram’s DNA technology, highlighting the potential for solving even the most long-standing mysteries with modern forensic tools.
The ISP is asking anyone with information about Smith’s death to contact the ISP Evansville Post at 800-852-3970 and leave a message for Detective Toni Walden or Detective Matt Busick of the Cold Case Unit.