30-Year Mystery Solved: DNA Identifies Florida Murder Victim
In a decades-old enigma finally resolved, a woman found deceased in Florida more than 30 years ago has been identified, all thanks to the power of DNA technology.
Who Was She?
Her name was Roberta Lynn Weber, though her friends knew her as Bobbie. She was approximately 32 years old when her life was tragically cut short. The grim discovery of her remains took place in a wooded area of Daytona Beach on April 23, 1990.
Seeking Answers
While time had passed, the case remained open, and authorities continued to investigate her murder. To this day, no suspects have been named in the case. For three long decades, the identity of the victim remained a puzzle, as her remains were unidentifiable. Neither clothing nor personal belongings offered any clues. Her DNA was carefully collected and entered into a national database, but it yielded no matches.
The Breakthrough
Recently, in a renewed effort to crack the cold case, Volusia County investigators teamed up with a forensic genealogy lab. They also coordinated closely with the county’s medical examiner’s office, providing DNA samples for analysis.
Family Tree Clues
The laboratory involved, known as Othram Labs, meticulously pieced together a family tree related to the victim. This tree eventually led to Weber’s sister. Florida officials traveled to Missouri to speak with her. Their conversation revealed that the sister hadn’t seen Roberta since 1989.
A Family’s Uncertainty
The sheriff’s office explained that the sister mentioned Roberta’s divorce from her husband in 1989, followed by her mysterious disappearance. She believed her sister was either no longer alive or had relocated to California. Roberta’s three children also conveyed to authorities that they hadn’t seen their mother since 1989.
Continuing the Search
While this breakthrough has identified the victim, the investigation into the homicide remains active. Authorities are working diligently to piece together the events surrounding Roberta’s tragic end. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Volusia Sheriff’s Office’s Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537.
The mysteries of the past are slowly being unraveled with the aid of modern technology, and for Roberta Lynn Weber, the quest for justice continues.