A woman whose body was found in Lake Pontchartrain in 1986 has finally been identified after 38 years. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that the woman, previously known as “Lake Lady Jane Doe,” has been identified as Pamela Lee Hupp, also known as Deborah Gail Justice. Hupp, who was pregnant at the time of her death, was born in April 1958 and her last known residence was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Authorities expressed their gratitude to the various organizations that helped in identifying Hupp, including Othram, RTI, NamUs, and the NIJ for funding. Sheriff Randy Smith thanked all the investigators who worked tirelessly on this case over the years, using available resources and technology to finally give a name to the victim. He also reassured the public that the detectives will continue working until they have identified and arrested the person(s) responsible for Hupp’s death.
The case of the unidentified woman, originally featured on “America’s Most Wanted,” remained unsolved despite numerous efforts, including DNA analysis and forensic composites developed by the LSU FACES Lab. However, in September 2022, a grant from NamUs allowed for further DNA analysis and genealogy research. Othram successfully developed a DNA profile for the woman, which led to the identification of potential family members and ultimately confirmed Hupp’s identity by April 2023.
While Hupp’s identity has been established, the circumstances surrounding her death are still under investigation. The sheriff’s office has urged anyone with information on the case to come forward and contact them at (985) 898-2341.
This breakthrough in identifying a long-standing cold case victim showcases the advancements in DNA technology and genealogy research that are helping law enforcement agencies solve decades-old cases. It also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between various organizations and authorities in bringing closure to families and seeking justice for the victims.
