New Details on Cherokee County Human Remains

RUSK — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office released more details concerning a body found early last month. The human remains were discovered between Alto and Wells on U.S. Highway 69. It was found a couple of miles north of the intersection of Highway 69 and Farm Road 1911. When an autopsy was inconclusive, the remains were sent to the UNT Center for Human Identification in Denton. Captain John Raffield says a report from the center indicated the remains are believed to be that of a White or Hispanic female between 35-55 years of age; between 4′ 11″ and 5′ 7″ tall, and possible natural hair color of dark blonde or light brown.

The clothing is further specified as: a Croft & Barrows brand sweater (size XL); Levis jeans (size 28×30); unknown brand or size off-white one piece body-suit with black lace neckline; and MARILU brand tan sandals (size 9).

Evidence of trauma was discovered during both the autopsy and the anthropological exam, however the specific details on that are not being released to the public at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation once she is identified.

Captain Raffield said the investigation is still ongoing to identify the individual, and to better determine the length of time she had been in the median. It is possible that she was, and had been, there when the herbicide was sprayed on August 13th. Once they are able to identify her, further investigation into how and why she was there will continue.