Long Beach Woman ID'd 24 Years After Her Body Was Found In Canyon

LONG BEACH, CA — More than 24 years after a body was discovered in Ventura County, forensic researchers were able to identify the woman as a former Long Beach resident.

In January 2000, the woman's skeletal remains were found partially buried in Fillmore by a surveyor who was working on Grimes Canyon Road. At the time the remains were discovered, authorities estimated the woman had died between two to five years prior.

An article published by the Los Angeles Times on Jan. 16, 2000 described the woman as possibly white or Latina and between 5 feet, 3 inches and 5 feet, 6 inches tall with reddish-brown hair. An autopsy didn't reveal the cause of death, but there was no obvious trauma, according to a deputy coroner working in Ventura County at the time.

"If anybody can help us with clues or information, that would be appreciated," the deputy coroner Armando Chavez said. "Somebody is missing this lady."

With no leads, the woman was classified as a Jane Doe, Traditional forensic DNA testing didn't provide any familial DNA matches and the woman's identity remained a mystery.

However in June 2023, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit partnered with Othram Labs, a forensic research lab, to use advanced DNA testing to identify the woman. Her remains were sent to Othram's scientists in Texas, where they extracted DNA from the skeleton to build a comprehensive profile.

"Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the woman," Othram officials said in a statement.

After decades of investigation, the woman was identified as Linda Laverne Orndorff Charlesworth Burka. Burka was worn Sept. 25, 1947, and her last known residence was in Long Beach, officials said.

Details surrounding Burka's death are still under investigation and further updates are forthcoming, Othram said.