Authorities have identified a previously unknown woman who died at a Phoenix bus stop in 2023 after a lengthy investigation involving forensic genealogy students and DNA analysis.
The woman was identified as Jennifer Ann Koons of Phoenix, Arizona, according to investigators involved in the case.
Officials said Koons had remained unidentified for nearly three years after her death because she carried no identification and her fingerprints did not match existing records.
Discovery
According to authorities, the woman was found deceased on or around Feb. 8, 2023, at a bus stop located near 711 West Grande Avenue in Phoenix.
The Phoenix Police Department and the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner investigated the death, but early efforts to confirm her identity were unsuccessful.
Investigators said standard identification methods, including fingerprint database searches, did not produce any matches.
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date Found | Feb. 8, 2023 |
| Location | 711 West Grande Avenue, Phoenix |
| Initial Identity Status | Unidentified |
| Investigating Agencies | Phoenix Police and Maricopa County Medical Examiner |
Authorities have not publicly released details regarding the cause or manner of death in the identification announcement.
Genealogy
The case was later referred to the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in 2024.
Investigative genetic genealogy is a forensic method that uses DNA comparisons and family history research to help identify unknown individuals or suspects in criminal investigations.
According to officials, a blood sample from the unidentified woman was sent in September 2024 to Genologue, a laboratory in Tucker, Georgia, for DNA extraction and whole genome sequencing.
The sequencing data was then forwarded to Parabon NanoLabs, where analysts developed a genotype profile to support genealogical research.
Students
The investigation was initially handled by students participating in the Fall 2024 Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program.
Officials said a smaller group of volunteers continued researching the case after the academic program ended.
Through that continued work, investigators identified a possible match in July 2025.
| Investigation Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Woman found deceased |
| 2024 | Case referred for genealogy review |
| Sept. 2024 | DNA sequencing completed |
| July 2025 | Candidate identification developed |
| Feb. 2026 | Identity officially confirmed |
Authorities credited the combined efforts of students, volunteers, forensic laboratories, and investigators for helping solve the case.
Confirmation
The possible identification led investigators to Jennifer Ann Koons of Phoenix.
Detective Scott Fey of the Phoenix Police Department later collected a reference DNA sample from a known family member.
Officials said the comparison confirmed Koons’ identity in February 2026.
The identification marked the conclusion of a years-long effort involving multiple organizations and advanced forensic technology.
Technology
Investigative genetic genealogy has increasingly been used across the United States to identify unknown victims and solve long-unsolved cases.
The process differs from traditional DNA testing because it compares genetic information to publicly available genealogy databases and family tree records rather than solely relying on criminal databases.
Supporters say the technique has helped provide answers in cases where traditional identification methods fail.
At the same time, the method continues to generate discussions around privacy standards, database access, and forensic oversight.
Ongoing Work
The Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center has participated in numerous unidentified person and cold case investigations nationwide.
Programs involving university students and forensic volunteers are becoming more common as agencies seek additional resources for complex identification cases.
Authorities did not release further personal details about Koons or explain why she may not have been identified earlier.
The Phoenix Police Department and medical examiner’s office have not announced additional updates connected to the case.
FAQs
Who was the unidentified woman?
She was identified as Jennifer Ann Koons.
Where was she found?
At a Phoenix bus stop on West Grande Avenue.
How was she identified?
Through investigative genetic genealogy and DNA testing.
Which agencies investigated the case?
Phoenix police and the medical examiner’s office.
When was her identity confirmed?
Authorities confirmed it in February 2026.
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