local
Investigators identify Jane Doe found dead in Mississippi River after more than 50 years
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
CLINTON CO., Iowa. (KWQC/Gray News) - Investigators identified the body, who they believed to be the longest known Jane Doe in Iowa.The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.In April 1975, Clinton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a dead woman in the Mississippi ...
Key takeaway The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The identification of Cheryl Lynn Edwards, a 15-year-old girl found dead in the Mississippi River over 50 years ago, brings a sense of closure to a case that had gone cold for decades. Although the discovery was made in Clinton County, Iowa, the use of forensic genetic genealogy to identify Edwards is a technique that has been increasingly used in Nashville and surrounding areas to solve crimes. This breakthrough highlights the potential for similar cases in the Nashville area to be reopened and solved using this technology. As law enforcement agencies in Davidson County continue to work on unresolved cases, the Edwards identification serves as a beacon of hope for local families who have been searching for answers for years. The Nashville community will be watching to see if this technology can bring closure to other families affected by unsolved homicides and missing persons cases.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CLINTON CO., Iowa. (KWQC/Gray News) - Investigators identified the body, who they believed to be the longest known Jane Doe in Iowa.The body was identified as 15-year-old Cheryl Lynn Edwards.In April 1975, Clinton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a dead woman in the Mississippi ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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