safety
Who was Harpeth River Jane Doe? Nashville researcher revives 1976 cold case
By Joylyn Bukovac at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 8, 2026
· 3 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Fifty years after an unidentified young woman was found dead near the McCrory Lane Bridge, Metro Nashville Police still do not know her name.The woman was found near the Harpeth River on March 24, 1976. Her case remains unsolved.Police described the girl as likely 14 to ...
Key takeaway The woman was found near the Harpeth River on March 24, 1976.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The revival of the Harpeth River Jane Doe case brings attention to the lingering impact of unsolved crimes on Nashville's community. For 50 years, the family of this young woman has been left without answers, and the efforts of River Robbins, a local researcher, aim to change that. The case's connection to the city's history is significant, with the discovery of the woman's body near the McCrory Lane Bridge in 1976. As Robbins works with the Metro Nashville Police Department and Charles Moore's granddaughter to retrace the woman's last known movements, the community is reminded of the importance of persistence in seeking justice. The fact that detectives have followed up on tips over the years, but none have led to a concrete identification, highlights the complexity of cold cases and the need for continued investigation. Nashville residents may recognize the details of the case, such as the woman's distinctive fang-like tooth or the photograph found in her back pocket, and come forward with new information.
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: safety ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Fifty years after an unidentified young woman was found dead near the McCrory Lane Bridge, Metro Nashville Police still do not know her name.The woman was found near the Harpeth River on March 24, 1976. Her case remains unsolved.Police described the girl as likely 14 to ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joylyn Bukovac at 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 safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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