A Cold Case Resolved After 43 Years: Unmasking the Woman in the Garment Bag - The Story of Florence Charleston

Imlay, Nevada, a small town with a population of only 178 people, is home to its own fire department, elementary school, and post office, as indicated by Google Maps. Nestled within this peaceful community is Thunder Mountain Monument, a hidden gem that could easily be overlooked if one blinks.

In October of 1978, a discovery near Scossa Road, located 13 miles west of Imlay, prompted a concerned individual to notify the Pershing County Sheriff's Office. Investigators made their way along deserted dirt roads to the scene, where they uncovered a shallow grave containing a buried garment bag. 

Inside the bag were human remains accompanied by women's clothing.

The remains were transported to Washoe Medical Center in Reno, approximately 130 miles southwest of Imlay, for further examination. An autopsy conducted by a coroner confirmed that the remains belonged to a Caucasian woman aged between 40 and 50 years old. However, the cause of death could not be determined, and her identity remained unknown.

In May of the following year, the sheriff's office sought assistance from the Nevada Department of Public Safety (NDPSID). Collaborating with investigators there, they were able to submit the woman's dental records and create a facial reconstruction. 

Additionally, the FBI aided in gathering identifying information from the clothing found at the initial investigation. The woman's mitochondrial DNA profile was obtained and entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS) as case #UP17848.

For 43 long years, the mystery persisted. 

Then, in March 2022, NDPSID and NamUS sought the assistance of Othram Inc., a company specializing in breakthrough forensic DNA analysis. Utilizing their advanced technology called "Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®," Othram's scientists successfully developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified woman. 

With this profile, their in-house genealogy team generated investigative leads that were shared with law enforcement investigators. 

Finally, the woman found in the garment bag was identified as Florence Charleston, originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Her family confirmed that she had relocated to Portland, Oregon, in the early 1970s, and they lost contact with her around 1978.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Diane Liggitt, a surviving relative, expressed her closeness to Charleston, fondly recalling her as "Aunt Dolly." Liggitt shared the family's enduring curiosity about what had happened to Charleston, expressing their sadness over the tragic circumstances. She emphasized Charleston's kind and gentle nature, finding it difficult to comprehend why anyone would want to harm her.

Those who possess information about Florence Charleston's death are urged to contact the Nevada Department of Public Safety Investigation Division at 775-684-7456, referencing agency case number C-79-095.