“1971 Jane Doe’s Genealogy IDs Bring Together Two Surviving Children”
Howard County Police Solve Cold Case Murder, Reunite Siblings After Decades of Separation
In a significant breakthrough for the Howard County Police Department (HCPD), investigators have resolved one of Maryland’s oldest cold case homicides dating back to 1971. This pivotal development not only brings justice closer to the victim, Sarah Belle Sharkey, but also facilitates an unexpected reunion of her long-lost children, Charles Sharkey and Mildred Marie Cantwell, who were unaware of each other’s existence prior to the investigation.
Background of the Case
The saga began in July 1971 when two young boys discovered an unconscious woman, later identified as Sharkey, in a field. The woman had suffered severe injuries consistent with an assault and was rushed to the hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries two months later, remaining in a coma throughout that period. The case quickly went cold, hampered by a lack of witnesses and leads, leaving the identity of both the victim and her assailant a mystery.
Breakthrough Initiatives
In 2024, with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice, the HCPD produced a composite sketch based on skeletal remains recovered from the 1971 crime scene. Despite this effort, the initiative did not yield any concrete leads to identify the victim. However, a breakthrough came when investigators re-evaluated the existing evidence and discovered preserved biological samples taken during the autopsy.
In October 2024, these histology slides were submitted to Othram, a private forensic lab specializing in DNA analysis. The lab successfully generated a DNA profile, enabling the detectives to construct a family tree. Charles Sharkey’s name repeatedly emerged, initially thought to be a distant relative, but ultimately confirmed as the victim’s son.
As the investigation progressed, the HCPD was able to locate Charles’s sister, Mildred Marie Cantwell, who has shared that reconnecting with her brother has been a source of joy and closure. After spending their early lives in orphanages, the siblings, now aged 79 and 81 respectively, have begun to communicate regularly.
“It’s quite surreal and wonderful at the same time. I thought I had no chance of ever finding my family again,” stated Charles Sharkey. Mildred reflected on the emotional impact of the reunion and learning about their mother, saying, “The closure is worth everything because I always wondered what happened to her.”
Continued Investigation and Community Engagement
HCPD spokesperson Sherry Llewellyn emphasized the importance of genetic genealogy in solving this cold case. “For decades, we lacked a way to connect this Jane Doe to any family. The utilization of family tree building allowed us to finally identify who she was,” she said.
The investigation remains open, with authorities encouraging anyone with information about Sarah Belle Sharkey or her life to come forward. Police have indicated that there may be additional children involved; Sharkey is known to have had at least one adult child who passed away in 2020.
This case underscores the power of advancements in forensic technology, the importance of community cooperation, and the human elements of loss and reunion in the storied legacy of law enforcement. The HCPD continues to follow leads and remains dedicated to uncovering the full story behind Sarah Belle Sharkey’s tragic end.
