A teenage girl who went missing 45 years ago has been identified through remains dubbed as ‘mummy’ that were discovered in a Long Island dumpster. The girl, Susan Mann, was 15 years old when she disappeared on May 17, 1980, according to the Nassau County Police Department. Her death is being treated as a homicide.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/susan-mann-100225-4e094e0af672479cb4c8ce37f6cba803.jpg)
Authorities found the remains of the teenager more than two years after her disappearance, on November 4, 1982, in a dumpster in Freeport on Long Island, about 15 miles away from where Mann was last seen in the Queens neighborhood of Hollis. After decades of investigation, the Nassau County Police Department recently confirmed that the remains found in 1982 belong to Susan Mann.
Reports from NBC New York indicate that investigators exhumed the body—which was previously unidentified as a “Jane Doe”—in 2023 to collect a DNA sample. This sample was then sent to the FBI’s New York Investigative Genealogy Program. Thanks to familial DNA matching, authorities were able to establish a connection, and Mann’s family has since verified the identification.
The victim had been referred to as the “mummy” girl due to the condition of the remains when they were discovered. Investigators even sought aid from the American Museum of Natural History to help identify the victim. The case is now being treated as a homicide, with authorities seeking the public’s assistance in locating any potential suspects. A reward of $5,000 has been announced for information leading to arrests, as per the Nassau County Police Department’s statement. If you have any information regarding Susan Mann’s disappearance or the individuals involved in the homicide, please contact Nassau County investigators via 516-573-7788, 1-800-244-TIPS, or visit nassaucountycrimestoppers.com. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing investigations in bringing closure to families of missing persons. The identification of Susan Mann after 45 years signifies the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims and their loved ones. The use of advanced DNA technology showcases how cold cases can be solved with persistence and advancements in forensic science.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Mann’s disappearance and death highlight the need for continued efforts in solving cold cases and bringing perpetrators to justice. The reward being offered underscores the urgency of finding answers and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The community’s support and cooperation are crucial in aiding authorities in their investigation and pursuit of justice for Susan Mann.
As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, it is essential for the public to remain vigilant and come forward with any information that may assist in solving this case. The resolution of Susan Mann’s disappearance after nearly five decades demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to seeking justice and closure for victims and their families. May this discovery bring some comfort to Susan Mann’s loved ones as they navigate through this difficult time.