INDIANA, IN – Authorities have identified the remains of a woman found in rural Indiana in 1982 as Connie Lorraine Christensen, a 20-year-old from Oregon, Wisconsin, who disappeared over four decades ago.
Lauren Ogden, chief deputy coroner of the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, confirmed the identification of Christensen, whose remains were discovered by hunters near Jacksonburg, about 60 miles east of Indianapolis, in December 1982. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound. Her homicide case remains open.
The DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit specializing in cold case identifications, played a key role in determining Christensen’s identity. When found, Christensen’s attire included high-heeled wooden soled clogs, a blue long-sleeved blouse, gray slacks, long knit socks, a blue nylon jacket, and a gold ring with an opal and two diamonds, suggesting she was not out for a casual walk.
Christensen was last seen in Nashville, Tennessee, in April 1982. At that time, she was believed to be three to four months pregnant and had temporarily left her 1-year-old daughter with relatives. Her family reported her missing after she did not return to Wisconsin as expected.