After more than four decades without a name, Las Vegas investigators have identified a young woman once known only as “Sahara Sue Doe” as 19-year-old Gwenn Marie Story of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The breakthrough marks a major development in one of Las Vegas’ long-running cold cases and gives surviving relatives long-awaited answers about what happened to Story, who was killed in 1979.
Despite the identification, the homicide investigation remains active, and police say they are still seeking information about the events leading to her death.
Discovery
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Story’s body was discovered on the evening of Aug. 14, 1979, in an open field near Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.
A passerby found the remains near the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. The Clark County coroner later ruled her death a homicide.
For decades, investigators were unable to determine her identity. She became known publicly as “Sahara Sue Doe” while detectives pursued leads with limited success.
Cold-case investigators periodically revisited the case over the years, but advancements in forensic technology eventually provided the breakthrough authorities needed.
Identification
LVMPD said detectives partnered with forensic genealogy company Othram in September 2022 in hopes that modern DNA analysis could identify the victim.
Using advanced DNA sequencing and genealogical research, forensic experts developed a genetic profile that led investigators to possible family connections.
Relatives later provided DNA samples that confirmed the match.
According to police, Othram informed detectives of the identification on Nov. 15, 2023. Authorities publicly confirmed Story’s identity the following month.
The case reflects the growing role of forensic genealogy in solving decades-old investigations. In recent years, similar techniques have helped identify previously unknown victims and suspects across the United States.
Investigation
Although Story has now been identified, detectives say important questions remain unanswered.
According to family accounts and records reviewed during the investigation, Story traveled from Cincinnati to Las Vegas during the summer of 1979 while searching for her biological father.
Police said she traveled with two male friends who later returned to Ohio without her.
Investigators have identified those men as persons of interest in the homicide case, though authorities have not publicly named them or announced any criminal charges.
LVMPD said detectives continue working to determine exactly what happened to Story during her time in Las Vegas.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about her movements, relationships, or travel during that period to come forward.
Community
The identification has renewed public interest in the decades-old case.
Local media organizations have revisited the investigation through special reports, photo galleries, and interviews examining Story’s life and the years-long effort to restore her identity.
Community advocates and supporters have also continued honoring her memory. In 2018, a memorial was reportedly placed at Woodlawn Cemetery as part of ongoing efforts to keep attention on the unresolved case.
Former Clark County coroner Michael Murphy, who has publicly discussed the case in past interviews, said Story’s identification represents an important step toward justice.
“She still has the right to have justice,” Murphy said in remarks cited by local outlets.
Forensics
The case also highlights how forensic genealogy is changing cold-case investigations nationwide.
Traditional DNA analysis compares biological evidence directly against known samples in criminal databases. Forensic genealogy expands that process by analyzing broader family relationships through ancestry and genealogical records.
Experts say the technology has become increasingly valuable in cases where victims remained unidentified for decades.
However, investigators stress that identifying a victim does not automatically solve a homicide. Detectives must still establish timelines, witness accounts, and evidence linking suspects to the crime.
In Story’s case, authorities believe public cooperation may still play an important role.
Appeal
Las Vegas police continue encouraging anyone with information to contact the department’s Homicide Section or Crime Stoppers.
Investigators say even small details from people who may have encountered Story in Las Vegas during the summer of 1979 could help move the case forward.
As of the latest update from LVMPD, no arrests have been announced and no suspect has been publicly identified.
Still, detectives say finally restoring Story’s identity after 44 years provides renewed momentum in the search for answers surrounding her death.
FAQs
Who was ‘Sahara Sue Doe’?
Police identified her as Gwenn Marie Story.
When was Story found dead?
Her body was discovered in August 1979.
How was she identified?
Investigators used forensic genealogy and DNA.
Is the homicide case solved?
No, the investigation remains active.
Where was Story originally from?
She was from Cincinnati, Ohio.
