Investigators exhumed the woman’s remains and are using genetic genealogy in a renewed push to learn her true identity
EAST ORANGE, NJ – Forty-two years after a young woman known to associates only as LA or Loranda was murdered during a domestic violence incident in East Orange, New Jersey State Police are turning to DNA and genetic genealogy in hopes of finally identifying her and finding her family.
The young Black woman was killed on Sept. 14, 1984, during an incident on Eppirt Street in East Orange, according to New Jersey State Police.
Her true identity was never established.
Investigators said people who knew the woman at the time referred to her as LA or Loranda, leaving authorities with few details about her identity, background or family.
The New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit has now renewed efforts to put a name to the woman.
Her remains were located and exhumed so investigators could develop a new DNA profile.
State Police are working with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and East Orange Police Department on the investigation.
With federal grant funding and assistance from Ramapo College of New Jersey, investigators are pursuing investigative genetic genealogy in an effort to identify the woman.
The technique could also help investigators locate relatives and reunite the woman’s remains with her family.
State Police are asking anyone who knew LA or Loranda, recognizes the circumstances surrounding the case or has information that could establish her identity to contact the Missing Persons Unit.
Information can be provided by calling 609-882-2000, extension 2554, or emailing missingpinformation@njsp.gov.
Key Points
- A young Black woman known to associates as LA or Loranda was murdered during a domestic violence incident in East Orange on Sept. 14, 1984.
- Her remains have been exhumed and a new DNA profile developed in an effort to determine her true identity.
- New Jersey investigators and Ramapo College are using investigative genetic genealogy in hopes of identifying her and locating her family.