"Caroline" *SOLVED*

***SOLVED***

10/1/2025

For more than three decades, a woman found in a wooded area of north Houston, Texas was known only as a Jane Doe, or "Caroline". Her real identity remained uncertain, until now. Through forensic genetic genealogy, community support, and the dedication of organizations like Moxxy Forensic Investigations, Intermountain Forensics, and supporters like you, this mystery has finally found resolution: her name is Joann Zamora.

The Discovery in North Houston

In September 1992, skeletal remains were found off West Rittenhouse Road in Houston, Texas. Despite investigative efforts, law enforcement could not confirm who she was. She was ultimately buried in Harris County Cemetery, marked only as “Unknown”.

For her six children, including daughter Spencer Graham, the mystery left a lifelong wound. The story they were told was that their mother, Joann Zamora, had simply left her family behind. “It makes me feel sad that I believed what I believed for the majority of my life,” Spencer told ABC13. “I finally have answers I never thought I would have. But now it leads to more questions”.

Breakthrough in Forensic Science

It wasn’t until 2024 that Moxxy Forensic Investigations took on the case. Partnering with Intermountain Forensics, they extracted DNA from Joann’s remains and built detailed family trees through investigative genetic genealogy. This painstaking process led them to the Zamora family, confirming the identity of the long-unidentified woman.

Criminal Coffee Co.’s Contribution

Thanks to supporters of Criminal Coffee Co., we were able to donate directly towards the DNA testing in this case. Much like our involvement in the resolution of the “Preble Penny” mystery, this case illustrates how businesses and communities working together can change the course of forensic investigations and bring long-awaited answers to families, no matter how much time has passed.

While the Houston Police Department’s Cold Case Unit continues to investigate her death as a homicide, her family now has the dignity of knowing the truth about her disappearance.

For Spencer and her siblings, the discovery doesn’t erase the pain of the past, but it replaces decades of uncertainty with answers, and perhaps, in time, justice.

The identification of Joann Zamora is not just about solving a case - it’s about restoring a name. Criminal Coffee Co. is proud to have played a part in this journey. Every bag of coffee sold helps fund DNA testing and investigative work, contributing to stories like Joann’s. Together, we are not just brewing coffee - we are helping families find answers.

Read more about Joann's case here.

Watch our coverage on the case here:

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At Criminal Coffee Co., we believe that every person deserves dignity and justice, no matter how much time has passed. That’s why we’re proud to have donated $5,850 to our friends at Moxxy Forensic Investigations, a non-profit organization based in Texas specializing in solving cold cases through advanced DNA testing. Our contribution hopefully will aid in identifying a young woman, who we've nicknamed "Caroline," who was found in the woods of Houston, Texas, on September 8, 1992, and has remained unidentified for over 30 years. We're hoping this is a step toward restoring her identity and giving her story the attention it deserves.

The Story of Jane Doe "Caroline"

On September 8, 1992, a passerby discovered “Caroline” in the woods of Houston, Texas. With no cause of death stated and limited evidence, the case went cold.

Here’s what we know about "Caroline":

• Age: Estimated to be between 20–30 years old

• Ethnicity: White

• Height: Approximately 5'1"

• Hair: Brown, around 8 inches long

• Distinguishing Features:

• Scoliosis affecting her lower spine

• Artificial anterior upper teeth held by a bridge

• Clothing: She was wearing jeans, a pink bra, blue underwear, and a white-metal ring set with a red-purple stone.

Why We Chose This Cause

Caroline's case represents countless individuals who have been lost to history, their voices silenced. This donation is our way of contributing to a larger effort to honor her life and ensure she is remembered not just as a Jane Doe, but as the person she was.

We will update this post with any new information as we receive it. If you have information on this unidentified individual or what may have happened, please contact the Houston Police Department at (832) 707-1284, case number 1085278-92.

• Who: Caroline
• Gender: Female
• Age: 20-30 years old
• When: September 8, 1992
• Where: Houston, Texas
• Donated: $5,850