The Oakland Police Department announced that a Jane Doe found dead in a hotel room on Oct. 2, 1969, has been identified as Joanne Yvonne "Joanie" Burdick, who was 16 at the time. Investigative genetic genealogy and a DNA sample from her brother produced the match after the FBI's San Francisco field office joined the probe in 2020. The victim was found at the former Hotel St. Louis at 539 7th Street; the medical examiner ruled the cause of death as strangulation. Officials delayed the announcement to notify surviving family members before going public.
57-Year-Old Oakland Cold Case Solved: Teen Identified as Joanne Yvonne "Joanie" Burdick
Joanne Yvonne Burdick at age 11; Burdick at age 13
The Oakland Police Department announced on Oct. 1 that a woman who had been listed as a Jane Doe for more than five decades has been positively identified as 16-year-old Joanne Yvonne "Joanie" Burdick. The breakthrough came after advances in investigative genetic genealogy and a voluntary DNA sample provided by Joanie's brother.
What Happened in 1969
On Oct. 2, 1969, at around 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the former Hotel St. Louis at 539 7th Street in Oakland, where hotel staff and witnesses had found a teenage girl deceased in a room. Witnesses reported that the girl had entered the room with an unidentified man just after 2:45 p.m. Less than 30 minutes later, staff heard a scream; the male companion had already left the scene before officers arrived. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death as strangulation.
A Jane Doe for Decades
Because the victim carried no identification, she remained a Jane Doe for more than 50 years. The case became dormant until the FBI's San Francisco field office formally joined the investigation in 2020 to provide forensic analysis and genealogical expertise.
How She Was Identified
FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble said investigative genetic genealogy produced new leads after traditional investigative routes had been exhausted. Those leads helped investigators locate Joanie's brother, who voluntarily provided a DNA sample that enabled a conclusive identification. According to the department, Joanie (born Feb. 3, 1953) was identified a few weeks before the Oct. 1 announcement; officials delayed the public release to notify surviving family members first.
Investigation Notes
Oakland Police Chief James Beere credited collaborative work between the department's homicide investigators and the FBI for the breakthrough. At the time of the 1969 investigation, Taylor Morris Teaford was considered a potential suspect but was never formally charged. Authorities have not released details about any current suspects or next investigative steps.
This identification closes a decades-long chapter for Joanie's family and illustrates how modern forensic genealogy can revive cold cases and bring long-sought answers.
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