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Investigators identify Jane Doe found dead in Mississippi River after more than 50 years
By KGNS — Sitewide
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
CLINTON CO., Iowa. (KWQC/Gray News) - Investigators identified the body, who they believed to be the longest known Jane Doe in Iowa.The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.In April 1975, Clinton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a dead woman in the Mississippi ...
Key takeaway The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The identification of Cheryl Lynn Edwards, a 15-year-old girl found dead in the Mississippi River over 50 years ago, brings closure to a case that had gone cold in neighboring Iowa. For Laredo residents, this story serves as a reminder that advances in forensic technology can have far-reaching implications, even across state lines. The use of forensic genetic genealogy to identify Edwards is a significant development that could potentially be applied to unsolved cases in Webb County. As local law enforcement agencies continue to work on solving crimes, they may consider collaborating with regional and national experts to leverage these new technologies. The Edwards case also highlights the importance of persistence and dedication in investigating homicides, a lesson that can be applied to public safety efforts in Laredo.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CLINTON CO., Iowa. (KWQC/Gray News) - Investigators identified the body, who they believed to be the longest known Jane Doe in Iowa.The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.In April 1975, Clinton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a dead woman in the Mississippi ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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