[SOLVED] Ode to Doe: Robin Pelkey Identified As "Horseshoe Harriet"

Update:*Please Note: Pelkey's family has publicly requested privacy. Please be respectful of this.*

Photos of Robin Pelkey Credit: findagrave.com

After 37 Years of tireless efforts, the Jane Doe formerly known as "Horseshoe Harriet" has been identified as Robin Pelkey. Thanks to a DNA sample submitted by a relative in Arkansas. Robin was born in 1963 in Denver, Colorado. She had been living in the Anchorage, Alaska area in the 1980s. Little more has been released about her before her discovery in 1984. A new headstone, funded by The Department of Public Safety has been placed at her final resting place at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery.

Robin Pelkey's new headstone. Credit: findagrave.com

---

Original article:

A grave marker created for Jane Doe. Credit: findagrave.com

The remains of a young woman, likely in her late teens or early twenties, was found on April 25, 1984. Her body was discovered in a shallow grave near Horseshoe Lake in Palmer, Alaska. Now, if this is sounding a little familiar, that is because like 'Eklutna Annie' ( the subject of my lastOde to Doe) she was the victim of serial killer Robert Hansen. Named for her grave site, she is one of the last of Hansen's seventeen victims. Only one of only two unidentified bodies in Alaska.

Horseshoe Harriet was likely 5'2" to 5'6" and between the ages of 19 and 20 when she was murdered. She had brown hair and may have been a smoker. Like his other victims, she likely suffered brutal rape and was hunted like an animal in the woods of Alaska. She was found to have been stabbed four times in the back as well as being shot four times. Along with her remains police recovered a wool scarf, nylon bra, a knit coat and sweater, blue jeans, wool socks, leg warmers, and tennis shoes. She was also found with four golden rings, cigarettes, a comb, a compact, and condoms. She was buried in Anchorage Memorial Park cemetery under the title Jane Doe #3. In September 2014 The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children paid to have 'Harriet' exhumed for additional forensic examination.

Gold Rings found with the body. Credit: NamUs

The original hope was to compose a facial reconstruction to aid in identifying the victim. Following information on a missing child in Alaska, they wish to possibly find a link and ultimately give closure to the family of 'Horseshoe Harriet'. They hoped to have a facial reconstruction publicized to aid in her identification within 6 months. Unfortunately, the state of the girl's remains made facial reconstruction impossible. However, DNA was salvageable. Her DNA was not on record but is now on file with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Family members of missing individuals are encouraged to submit a DNA sample for comparison. While they hope to find the mother and father, any close relative would be a breakthrough. As for now, she remains nameless.

---

To view my sources and reference material, click here.