Crime Junkie Podcast Episode Summary: "IDENTIFIED: Midtown Jane Doe"

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "IDENTIFIED: Midtown Jane Doe," hosts Ashley Flowers and Britt Prawat delve into the haunting case of a teenage girl whose remains were discovered in a Midtown Manhattan basement. This detailed exploration unpacks the intricate investigation that spans decades, uncovering layers of mystery, deception, and unresolved questions.

Discovery and Initial Investigation

On the afternoon of February 10, 2003, construction workers were clearing debris from the basement of a dilapidated five-story building at 301 W. 46th Street in Hell's Kitchen, Midtown Manhattan. Amidst the routine work, one worker noticed an unusual large rectangular concrete slab obstructing the area. As Detective Gerard Gardner arrived at the scene, it became evident that this was no ordinary find.

Ashley Flowers narrates, "a shadowy suspect, a tangled family tree filled with deception, an iconic rock club, the September 11th attacks, mob shakedowns tied to a gangster who would later find fame on the suburb Sopranos." (03:25)

Upon breaking the concrete, the workers discovered a hollow space containing remains. Forensic analysis revealed a skeleton curled in the fetal position, wrapped in a rust-colored carpet, and hogtied with pantyhose and an electrical cord. Despite the lack of soft tissue, vital clues such as a tan bra, a glittery sequin fabric, a 1966 Bulova watch, and a yellow metal signet ring with the initials "P.M." provided leads for identification.

Details of the Victim

The forensic team determined that the victim was a young woman aged between 15 and 21, standing approximately 4'10" to 5'4" tall, with a narrow face, petite build, and reddish-brown hair. Teeth analysis revealed expensive dental work on her back teeth, juxtaposed with rotting front teeth, suggesting a tumultuous personal history.

Britt Prawat reflects on the implications: "It makes me wonder if she left home or was somehow, like, taken from family or caretakers well before she died. Like, at some point, somebody cared enough to get her that expensive dental work. But then somewhere along the line, something changed, right?" (09:39)

Investigation Efforts and Challenges

Detective Gardner and his team faced significant obstacles in identifying the victim. Initial efforts to trace the watch's serial number led to dead ends, as the manufacturer did not track purchases. Expanding the search to include missing persons with matching initials yielded 11 names, none of which corresponded to the victim’s profile. Further scrutiny of arrest records expanded the list to 500 potential matches, still without success.

The area around 301 W. 46th Street was notorious for drug activity and sex work, earning the nickname "Minnesota Strip." This environment made it a hotspot for vulnerable individuals, including runaways, attracting predators who exploited them. The basement's history as a former speakeasy and rock club added layers of complexity to the case.

Suspect Theories and Serial Killer Links

One of the prominent theories involved Joel Rifkin, a notorious serial killer who targeted sex workers and employed elaborate methods to dispose of bodies. Despite similarities in the modus operandi, such as strangulation and calculated body disposal, Rifkin was ultimately ruled out as a suspect. Inspector Gardner mentioned, "There is nothing to that. Sirico is just like one of the many bizarre footnotes in this story." (21:46)

Reassessing the Timeline

Initial analysis based on a torn clothing label suggested a mid to late 1980s timeline, aligning with the height of New York's drug epidemic. However, further investigation revealed that the label could date back to the 1960s, necessitating a reevaluation of the victim's death timeframe. This discrepancy highlighted the challenges in piecing together evidence from fragmented remains.

Breakthrough Through Genetic Genealogy

In 2017, a significant breakthrough occurred when Astraea Forensics successfully extracted a genealogy-grade DNA profile from the remains. NYPD genealogist Linda Doyle utilized this data to identify first and second cousins, leading to the identification of Patricia McGlone. Despite the DNA match, confirming her identity required mitochondrial DNA analysis, which was challenging due to the degraded state of her remains.

A pivotal moment was when Fiona, a maternal cousin whose daughter perished in the 9/11 attacks, provided DNA for comparison. "When they test it, it is a match. So amid all the uncertainty, they finally know one thing for sure. This is Patricia McGlone." (50:27)

Current Status and Ongoing Efforts

With Patricia McGlone’s identity confirmed, the focus shifted to uncovering the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death. The primary suspect, Donald Grant, listed as her husband on the 1969 marriage license, was found to be a fictitious identity. Investigators discovered that no record existed of a Donald Grant matching the details provided, suggesting he was an alias or an identity theft perpetrator.

Further investigation revealed Patricia’s turbulent family background, including her father Bernard McGlone Sr.'s multiple marriages and the strained relationship between her and her stepmother. Patricia’s abrupt drop from school and subsequent marriage to Donald Grant raised suspicions about coercion and exploitation, especially considering the era's stigmatization of single motherhood.

Despite extensive searches through adoption records and interviews with acquaintances, investigators have yet to locate Patricia’s child or uncover definitive answers about her final days. The original building at 301 W. 46th Street has since been demolished, eliminating potential future leads from the crime scene.

Conclusion

The identification of Patricia McGlone marks a significant milestone in a cold case that has spanned over two decades. However, the mystery of her death remains unsolved, with unanswered questions about her relationship with Donald Grant and the fate of her child. Detective Glass and Linda Doyle continue to seek new leads, urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring closure to Patricia’s tragic story.

Ashley Flowers emphasizes the necessity of public assistance: "Someone out there knew this girl and she deserves to have her story told. So if you know anything about her, her family, this Donald Grant guy, or even this scene, anything at all, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS." (52:11)

The episode underscores the enduring impact of cold cases and the relentless pursuit of truth by investigators and true crime enthusiasts alike.