Woman’s Body Was Found in the Brush Nearly 60 Years Ago. Now Her Identity Has Been Revealed

Body Identified Nearly 60 Years After Woman Was Found Murdered in 1968

Martha Bassett disappeared in the 1960s, but her family never stopped searching for her. The human remains of an unidentified woman were discovered in 1968 in Will County, Illinois. Authorities recently announced that the remains were positively identified as Bassett, thanks to advances in forensic technology.

Nearly 60 years after a woman was found murdered near Chicago, authorities finally identified her as a missing member of a Native American community from Washington state. Martha Bassett, originally from Wapato, relocated to the Chicago area in 1960 under the federal Indian Relocation Act of 1956, which encouraged Indigenous peoples to move from reservations to urban areas, according to the Will County Coroner’s Office. However, by 1967, Bassett lost contact with her family, prompting them to travel to Chicago out of concern for her welfare. Despite their efforts being unsuccessful, the family never gave up hope of finding her.

On September 30, 1968, a woman’s body was discovered in the brush near the intersection of I-55 and Blodgett Road in Will County. Detectives at the time had limited information about the victim, with a local newspaper headline simply stating, “Woman found dead.” Cold case investigator Bill Sheehan revealed that the report indicated blunt force trauma as the cause of death. Due to the technology constraints back then, authorities were unable to make a positive identification, leading to the woman’s remains being buried anonymously in a local cemetery.

In 2009, advancements in forensic technology prompted the reopening of the case. Portion of the remains were sent for analysis, revealing the woman’s possible Native American descent, a crucial detail that eventually led to her identification. Subsequent studies in 2017 confirmed her Asian and Native American heritage. Cold case investigators reached out to tribes in several states and disseminated information online, ultimately connecting with one of Bassett’s relatives who provided DNA for a match.

The resolution of the 1968 cold case was declared a triumph of scientific progress, interagency cooperation, and human perseverance by the coroner’s office. This breakthrough not only showcases the power of persistence and forensic advancements but also offers hope to families of other missing persons. It demonstrates that with compassion, resolve, and modern technology, answers can still be found, even if delayed.

The identification of Martha Bassett brings closure to a decades-old mystery, shedding light on a tragic chapter in her family’s history. The collaborative efforts of investigators, technological advancements, and the unwavering determination of her relatives have finally uncovered the truth behind her disappearance and death. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of never giving up hope in the search for missing loved ones.

As the story of Martha Bassett’s identification unfolds, it highlights the significance of preserving the memory of those who have been lost. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved cases and the solace that can be found in closure. The lessons learned from this investigation will undoubtedly shape future efforts to bring closure to families of missing individuals, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of uncertainty.

In conclusion, Martha Bassett’s long-awaited identification stands as a testament to the dedication of those who tirelessly pursue justice and closure for the families of missing persons. The impact of her story reverberates through time, underscoring the importance of never giving up on the search for truth and resolution in cold cases.

This article brings to light the story of Martha Bassett, a woman whose identity was hidden for nearly six decades, now finally revealed through the relentless efforts of investigators and the enduring love of her family.