Wanda Kirkum

In this episode, we delve into the story of Wanda Kirkum, a young woman who was tragically murdered on Valentine's Day in 1991. Wanda's case had remained unsolved for nearly three decades, haunting the investigators working her case and inspiring many to share her story.

Introduction 

Our podcast, dedicated to shedding light on missing and unidentified women, faced a unique challenge when deciding how to approach cases like Wanda's. Initially classified as a Jane Doe, her story represents a powerful testament to the potential for resolution. In this episode, we discuss the complexities in her case and  highlighting the resolution process that was used in identifying her to inspire hope for future investigations.

Discovery of Valentine Jane Doe 

On the morning of February 15, 1991, windsurfers stumbled upon the lifeless body of a young woman in a wooded area in an illegal camping area known as the Horseshoe in the Florida Keys. This discovery marked the beginning of a long and arduous journey to identify her and bring her killer to justice.

Investigation and Clues
The initial investigation revealed a brutal crime scene, with the victim exhibiting signs of a struggle. The absence of tan lines, unusual clothing choices, and footwear uncommon for the area raised questions about where she was from originally. Of note were also her distinctive tattoos which included a cross on her hand and a heart with the word “love” inside of it.

Genetic Genealogy Breakthrough
In a significant leap forward, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office embraced cutting-edge investigative genetic genealogy in 2020. Collaborating with experts like Lori Napolitano and CeCe Moore, the case was divided into two parts: identifying Wanda Kirkum and determining her killer. The results were unveiled on June 15, 2020.

Wanda's Identity
Wanda Kirkum, born on January 11, 1973, had been missing for almost three decades. Through the process of identifying her, investigators learned that she had likely run away from home as a teenager, escaping an abusive home. 

The Bittersweet Reunion with Family
Despite Wanda's identification, the journey did not end there. We look into the challenges surrounding the burial of Wanda's remains and the efforts, spearheaded by Debbie Shepherd, that enabled Wanda to receive a proper burial.

Call for Information
Though Wanda has been identified and her killer pinpointed, there’s much about Wanda’s life that remains a mystery. Wanda’s cousin, Brenda, urges those who knew her to reach out so she can piece together Wanda’s life story. 

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People and Cases Mentioned in this Episode:
Wanda Kirkum (solved unidentified persons case and solved homicide)