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Halton as a community is not known for its true crime mysteries. A thinly spread rural population and docile people do not exactly cultivate a breeding ground for madmen, nor attract a rough (or really any) crowd. This logically would lead to a low crime rate, which is true, with even less violent crime. Following this same common sense, Halton does not exactly have a magnetic pull for true crime writers. However, every decade or so a rotten fog seems to encroach, leaving a horrible crime scene surrounded in mystery, which just as quickly dissipates in the public mind with little media coverage. Generationally these cases have been almost lost- keeping them in discussion prevents them from falling into complete obscurity. No writers write, no talkers talk, and no leads are turned in. Police say the first 48 hours are crucial to solving a murder investigation… Try 48 years.
Spending an afternoon strolling Chudleigh’s Apple Orchard has been a classic way to spend an afternoon in Halton since the farm opened in 1967. Such is how one family chose to spend a fall day, October 22, 1978. After a long day of apple picking, they decided to stop for a moments rest off of the beaten trail, on the edges of the orchard. This is when they noticed something abnormal sticking out of a nearby bush, prompting them to investigate. To their shock and horror, a human skeleton was resting inside of the bush, surrounded by clothes and personal objects. Repulsed- they retreated and contacted the authorities, who began an investigation immediately.
The body was entirely skeletal- making investigation difficult. An autopsy estimated the death to be at least one year prior to discovery, much crucial information long decomposed. Still, the police had to do what they could to muster information from the evidence they had. The skeleton was that of a female, approximately 5'3” - 5'4”, and 110-115 lbs in life. The woman was older, approximately aged 55-65, with traces of Grey-Blonde or Grey-White hair on her affects. DNA evidence was able to identify her race as caucasian, however no eye color could be determined. Despite all this information gathered, there was one crucial box still blank on the autopsy report- a cause of death. What brought upon an elderly woman’s demise on a rural apple orchard? The police could not even determine whether or not the death was suspicious.
Despite having no cause of death or identification on the victim, the autopsy revealed further information about the victim in life which could help identify her. She had no teeth in life for years prior to her death, if she wore dentures they were not at the place of her discovery. She had also had severe arthritis in her hip and back, a condition which likely caused her pain in life, as well as mobility issues. She was fully clothed, and dressed for winter weather- evidenced by her jacket and multiple sweaters. Her jacket was homemade featuring a floral pattern, as well as one of her sweaters which was knit. Her checkered jacket, white button up, white wool sweater, and brown socks were store bought. She had no shoes on her, however 2 pairs were located nearby, alongside a variety of other strange items.
Jane Doe’s checkered jacket, 1978, Ontario's Missing Adults
The following items have not been conclusively linked to the case, however were discovered in close proximity and taken in as evidence as well. They provide a context to the bush scene surrounding the body, as well as potential insight into how the woman lived- and died. Two pairs of shoes were located nearby, one pair of leather winter boots, the other dark ladies navy shoes. Whether or not the shoes are the same size is not available, however could potentially place another person at the scene, or confirm the woman was alone. Some other women's clothing was also nearby, including a scarf, handkerchief, jacket, and blouse. Articles that stick out however, are 3 different suit pants, all of different color, as well as a slip, and pair of mens underwear. The final items at the scene are polarizing, and could either be junk, or the piece of evidence which breaks the case. A few pens and pencils, a little over a dollar in change, glasses, a pair of scissors. 2 Bibles in a plastic bag, and a kitchen knife with a wooden handle.
Leather boots discovered nearby, 1978, Ontario's Missing Adults
The police turned to the public for help in identifying the victim, a state in which the case still remains to this day, no closer to justice. Given the information collected, logical steps can be taken and questions can be asked in order to procure new light on the case. Starting with the basics. Given her attire, she appeared to be dressed for the winter months- a time when Chudleigh's Orchard is also closed and unmanned. This explains how nobody saw her on the property alive. If she had been killed and dumped on the site, the cause of death likely would have been apparent; that would also not explain the large quantity of items on the scene. Evidence would suggest she was settled in the area prior to her death, and did not die from something sudden like an impact or gunshot, which would have appeared on the autopsy. The two lingering questions roadblocking her identifications remain as: Why was she at the site? Was she there alone?
Jane Doe’s mobility issues make placing her at a rural apple orchard in the middle of winter difficult, but not impossible. Her missing teeth could potentially indicate poverty, a sign that she may have been homeless, and decided on the out of season apple orchard as a place to live undisturbed, not far from nearby Milton and Georgetown. No missing person report filed in the area could support this theory, which would also explain the various objects found around the scene. Aside from the effects and clothes however, no sign of a camp was found (campfire, bed mat, etc..). Maybe she never got the chance to make one. Even one harsh Canadian winter without warmth could lead to succumbing to the elements, and an explanation for the discovery, and no cause of death.
Another theory which involves the blistering cold, is sadly not too uncommon in Ontario. Perhaps Jane Doe had a perfectly fine home, however given her age, had started to struggle with Alzheimer's. It is a sad reality that many confused elderly have disappeared into the night, not being seen alive again. Harsh wind and cold does not put a disoriented mind at ease. The odd collection of items at the scene perhaps were gathered for reasons known only to her, before disappearing on a journey one night, not to be heard from again.
The final theory is that in which foul play is involved, as well as another person, a male. This would explain the male clothing at the scene, duplicate bibles, and ultimately the death. This line of thinking means Jane Doe was still homeless, however had a male accomplice, who ultimately took part in her death. She likely would have trusted the man and had her guard down, resulting in an either intentional or accidental death. Perhaps Jane Doe had overdosed, and her accomplice fled, not wanting to take responsibility. Or perhaps she was strangled in her sleep by someone she was traveling with. This would explain the overall confusing state of the scene. If she had a bag, identification, or anything more personal perhaps it was taken intentionally to hide her identity, or someone else's involvement. Even if Jane Doe was living vagrantly, she likely had more earthly possessions than what was found at the scene.
The mystery has gone under the radar of most, and is every bit as mysterious as the day of the discovery almost 50 years ago. As time passes it only becomes less likely to find the answers, but through asking questions and resuscitating the story, perhaps Jane Doe can get her identity back.