Jacksonville police have confirmed the identity of a woman in a 1995 cold case.

On December 6, 1995, a surveyor attempting to locate marking stakes located a complete set of skeletal remains in the wooded area adjacent to Courts Plus on US Highway 17 in Jacksonville.

Because of the condition of the body, investigators were unable to determine how long the body had been exposed to the elements and no cause of death could be assessed.

The case became part of the Jacksonville Police Department’s Cold Case Investigations for the last 23 years.

For over two decades, investigators continued to seek the identity of Jane Doe.

Due to advances in science and technology, her identity has been determined through a national DNA database for missing persons’ cases.

She has been positively identified through DNA as Randi Stacey Boothe-Wilson.

Boothe-Wilson spent 13 years as an active duty Marine and was discharged in August of 1994.

At that time, she separated from her Marine husband and moved to New York with her three children.

She was working and living with family there at the time she was reported missing.

Her remains were found in Jacksonville in early December 1995.

“We would like to thank the JPD detectives who worked this case over 23 years, seeking resolution, never giving up,” said Police Chief Mike Yaniero.

The assistance of Naval Criminal Investigative Services, Carolinas Field Office was a key element in moving towards identifying the remains of Boothe-Wilson.

NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner assisted in the investigation.

Although she has been positively identified, the investigation is ongoing.

“Perhaps there is someone in the Jacksonville or the military community that knew Stacey Boothe-Wilson or have some information about her ties to Jacksonville,” said Chief Yaniero. Even the smallest bit of information may be of value to the detectives working on this case.”

If you have any information contact JPD Detective Bob Garbett at 910-938-6520 rgarbett@jacksonvillenc.gov or Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273.

