local
Investigators identify Jane Doe found dead in Mississippi River after more than 50 years
By Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
CLINTON CO., Iowa. (KWQC/Gray News) - Investigators identified the body, who they believed to be the longest known Jane Doe in Iowa.The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.In April 1975, Clinton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a dead woman in the Mississippi ...
Key takeaway The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The identification of Cheryl Lynn Edwards, a 15-year-old girl found dead in the Mississippi River over 50 years ago, brings closure to a case that had gone cold for decades. Although the discovery was made in Clinton County, Iowa, the use of forensic genetic genealogy to identify Edwards is a technique that has been gaining traction in Georgia as well. Local law enforcement agencies in Atlanta have been exploring the use of this technology to solve cold cases, and Edwards' identification serves as a testament to its potential. As Atlanta's own cold cases continue to be re-examined, the community may see similar breakthroughs in the future. The Edwards case also highlights the dedication of investigators who continue to work on cases even after decades have passed, and the impact that their work can have on families who have been searching for answers for years.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CLINTON CO., Iowa. (KWQC/Gray News) - Investigators identified the body, who they believed to be the longest known Jane Doe in Iowa.The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.In April 1975, Clinton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a dead woman in the Mississippi ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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