Our guest today was Virginia Braden! Virginia Braden is a licensed Private Investigator and Behavioral Profiler specializing in violent crimes and cold case investigations. This includes death investigations, missing persons, and unidentified remains cases as well as rapes, sexual and physical assaults, stalking, domestic violence cases and elder abuse and child abuse cases.
Virginia Braden also serves as a cold case violent crimes consultant for law enforcement and provides specialized training and education to corporations and small business owners on violence in the workplace.
In addition Virginia Braden works with attorneys, witnesses, and law enforcement providing body language analysis of interviews and interrogations, as well as of testimony both live and recorded, and that of jurors in real time trial settings. She also provides body language coaching and training to victims and witnesses to increase the effectiveness of their testimony.
The case she discussed with us today concerned an unidentified woman found in Simpson County, Kentucky, in 2001. We discussed the manner in which the lady was dumped and what that told us about her killer e.g. most likely a stranger who seized an opportunity. It was not a personalized attack. The killer had a careless attitude. He did not cover his victim up nor did he display her remains but he certainly was not worried that he would get caught. That tells us he probably did not live or work in that area making it possible for him to be in transportation such as for example, a truck driver.
Virginia will keep us posted about this case. The lady had a tattoo but Virginia said that it was a very common tattoo. The lady’s wedding ring is standard but the other ring she wore might give us more leads if we can get the picture more media attention. It is not a very valuable ring but a very eye-catching ring.
Some notes on her body’s condition: healed fracture of proximal right humerus (upper arm near shoulder), healed fracture left 8th rib, mitochondrial DNA available.
Please take a look at this video clip and if you have any tips, let me know! The lady’s case can be found on NamUs as well.
Our guest next week on Aug 10 is Joe McGinty who will discuss the case of “Fredericka Mary.”
From Joe Giacalone’s blog the Cold Case Squad: “In the early morning hours of Mother’s Day, May 11, 1986, a man in Needham, Massachusetts would make a disturbing discovery inside of a trash barrel as he searched for recyclable bottles at Claxton Field, a local playground in the community.
Wrapped inside of a local supermarket shopping bag was the deceased remains of an infant baby girl with her umbilical cord still attached.”
Read more on Joe Giacalone’s blog and join us for the case discussion!
The verbatim thread is below.
Cheers, V
Vidocq_CC | It is noon on the East Coast of the USA and that means time for another cold case live chat. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | My guest today is the lovely Virginia Braden, a PI, an advocate and a cold case researcher. Welcome, Virginia! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:00:35 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC So honored to have this opportunity! Thank you for inviting me! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:01:17 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Very welcome. You have an interesting background and website so we have lots to explore. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:02:14 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | Can you tell us how you became a PI? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:02:36 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC @ladysleuth69 The website came about as a result of my frustration with the media no longer wanting to cover cases.#cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:04:18 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Remember the hashtag #cclivechat at the end of every tweet. Do you use http://t.co/Otz8Zr21? | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:04:34 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Do you mean they lost interest in cold cases, not spectacular enough, etc? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:05:22 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Yes, both really. It was heartbreaking and maddening. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:05:56 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I decided if they wouldn't cover them, I would create a venue for them #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:06:20 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Was there one particular case that made you set up the website? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:06:47 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Yes, the unidentified remains case from Simpson County Ky. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:07:39 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Please do tell us more! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:08:24 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC She was discovered by a construction crew in 2001 off of hwy 65 just over the TN border #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:09:17 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC A facial reconstruction was done by Dr. Emily Craig, then KY state forensic anthropologist. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:09:52 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | the youtube clip for this case is here http://t.co/FIirkJF1 #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:10:31 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC They were able to ascertain an approximate range of age and height. Also w/ the body 2 rings were found. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:10:32 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC She had very decayed teeth which leads me to believe she may have been indigent. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:11:07 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I was very bothered that she was discarded like trash along the side of the highway. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:11:29 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 I just saw the blue ring. It is stunning and looks custom made. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:11:38 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Right, and probably did not had fluoride in her water. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:12:02 +0000 |
ColdCaseSquad | Hi @vidocq_cc @ladysleuth69 #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:12:50 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Very interesting developments about that ring just this past 12 months or so. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:13:03 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC We were able 2 identify jewelers stamp on the inside of the ring and found out that it would have been made in '60's #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:13:52 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ColdCaseSquad Hi Joe! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:14:11 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Which means before this woman was born. I believe it's a keepsake of sorts #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:14:24 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 She may have inherited the ring. We'll post pictures later with the recap, ok? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:14:38 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 I think so too. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:15:04 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I created a youtube video for this case http://t.co/Irq9Gonw I believe that ring is the key to breaking this case #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:15:19 +0000 |
ColdCaseSquad | @vidocq_cc I can't stay long but I'll be skulking around #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:15:36 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC It was not a very expensive ring but I guarantee it meant something to the victim #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:16:16 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 We'll put the clip in the recap as well. Pls send me the pics later as jpg attachments. I'll DM my email. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:16:48 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ColdCaseSquad No problem, do you know this case? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:16:59 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Thank you! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:17:19 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Exactly, and since it seems dated we need to get the older generations to see this ring. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:17:33 +0000 |
ColdCaseSquad | @Vidocq_CC @ladysleuth69 no I don't but looking into the background on it #cclivechat to play catch up in and out with follow up Drs. Visits | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:17:51 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Looking now into the possibility of getting billboards up along the highway where she was found. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:19:03 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ColdCaseSquad I'll post more about the case in the recap, let us know later what you think. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:19:07 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 That seems a costly affair, how will you finance this? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:19:44 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I don't believe she was from Ky, dumping her body 12mi over the Ky border was an attempt to thwart police. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:19:53 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Where do you think she came from? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:20:42 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I do a lot of pro bono work, sometimes I hold fundraisers, most of the time it comes from my income. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:20:53 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Has the tattoo given you any insight? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:21:32 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Further south, maybe TN, possibly Alabama. She was probably transient & her family doesn't realize she's missing #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:22:02 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC It actually matches the tattoo of a woman who went missing in OH but DNA proved it wasn't her. Very common tattoo #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:22:54 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Are you familiar with NAMUS? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:23:10 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Yes, is she listed there? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:24:01 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Yes she is. I am so thankful for the existence of NAMUS, such a needed resource. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:24:47 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Can you give me the link so we can add that too? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:25:27 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Yes absolutely! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:26:06 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Someone somewhere knows who this woman is. It's just a matter of getting the info in front of the right person. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:26:34 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Correct, and for that we need media exposure. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:27:08 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Do you think the media now pays more attention to cold cases because of television series and books? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:27:44 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Yes, precisely. I was able to generate some newspaper coverage last yr. when KSP added the info to their FB account #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:27:59 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I think a lot depends on the factors involved--how gruesome or spectacular unfortunately. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:28:45 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I know that agencies that have a squad devoted to cold cases do very well in resolving them & that gets media attn. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:29:43 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Right, we do it for the victim/family but the media has ratings to consider first. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:29:44 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Is this lady's DNA on file? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:30:21 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC That is exactly right. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:30:23 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Did her DNA give us any clues at to her medical history? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:31:56 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Not that I am aware of. They were able 2 determine she suffered from back trouble from the forensic anthropology exam #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:33:11 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Also broken bones, etc. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:33:27 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Could they tell whether the bones were broken postmortem? Do you think she was alive when she fell? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:34:59 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I am determined to see this woman back w/ her family. Her killer believes he has gotten away with it. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:35:08 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC She was thrown over the embankment. They were healed fractures. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:35:50 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 OK, good to know re fractures. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:36:26 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I believe she was killed and then her remains dumped there. Not exactly hidden, but not out for show either. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:36:28 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Carelessly discarded. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:37:07 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC How she was dumped says something to me about the killer. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:37:40 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 So what can we do to help you and the local cops with this particular case? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:37:45 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC He didn't go to effort to hide, but wasn't taunting/ displaying what he did either. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:37:49 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Precisely. He did not see her in any way as a person. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:38:18 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Media exposure is critical. I'm in process of ID the companies the ring was sold 2. Long shot, but maybe something. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:39:28 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 I'd place pics of the ring in public libraries and centers where seniors gather to see if they know the companies. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:40:44 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC There's also a serial killer truck driver I'm looking into. Captured in TN and convicted. Linked to 4 states #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:40:50 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC That's a great idea. The ring was made in RI. Several companies made them in dif colors. Very popular in the day. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:41:48 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 So we need that generation that would THEN have bought those rings to look at the pics NOW. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:43:13 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Also posting the You Tube video is another avenue to bring attn to the case. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:43:27 +0000 |
JoeMcGinty | Hi, I would recommend contacting smaller media outlets. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:43:47 +0000 |
JoeMcGinty | local cable access and local newspapers in the surrounding cities/towns. Big media might pass on the story, #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:44:10 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Yes, could've been given to her by her mother, aunt, grandmother, etc. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:44:10 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 I am also thinking about auction houses where estate sales take place and where collectors might know something. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:44:38 +0000 |
JoeMcGinty | but small town media can get the ball rolling! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:44:38 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I was fortunate enough to find someone who used to sell the ring for Vargas, the manufacturer. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:44:46 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @JoeMcGinty Hi Joe, good tip! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:44:52 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Vargas out of business now but she has been very helpful. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:45:01 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @JoeMcGinty Correct, and we need just that one snowball to set everything into motion. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:45:22 +0000 |
JoeMcGinty | I know it works. I will explain when I am on #cclivechat next week to discuss my story. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:46:03 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I've taken pics to appraisers. They all say very cheap ring. Costume stuff. Still so unique & vibrant. Some1 knows. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:46:16 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @JoeMcGinty Awesome, can't wait! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:46:46 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 The ring is an eye catcher. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:47:12 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I don't know that her killer has ever given her another thought. I'd very much like to change that. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:47:38 +0000 |
JoeMcGinty | Mainstream media will focus on more current stories. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:47:46 +0000 |
JoeMcGinty | If small town media can focus on story - the snowball will get rolling again. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:47:59 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC The other ring found with her is a simple wedding band manufactured by the 100's of thousands. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:48:51 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Don't think so, sounds like stranger seized opportunity, not personal act, and careless, not worried to get caught #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:48:53 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Dead end on any hope of tracking sales/distributors #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:49:01 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Right, the wedding band may not bring us anything. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:49:27 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Yes, I agree completely. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:50:00 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 I hope we can shed more light on her case. I will do what I can with the recap. Will you keep us posted on this? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:51:20 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC This case is definitely a challenge, but not impossible. Again, that ring I believe is key factor. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:51:24 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Oh yes, absolutely. So grateful for your assistance. Coverage is so important to resolving this. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:52:07 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 You are very welcome! It is my pleasure to help. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:52:59 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Our hour is almost gone! What is your favourite cold case author or book? #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:53:57 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC I love anything from the Dr. Bill Bass/ Jefferson duo. Also Teasing Secrets from the Dead by Dr. Craig #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:55:19 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Good reading tips! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:56:24 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC Been such an honor. Thank you for allowing me to highlight this case. So appreciate it! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:57:30 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Virginia, thank you so very much for being with us today! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:57:44 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC My pleasure! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:58:17 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Glad to help. Pls send me the namus link as well, sent email via DM. I will place everything in the recap. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:58:50 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | Our guest next week is @JoeMcGinty who will cover the case of a newborn discarded in the trash. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:59:33 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC You'll have it by the end of the day. Thank you again! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:59:37 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | The schedule w/all guests is on my blog's home page. If a Friday is NOT listed there it means it is a general cold case chat. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:00:24 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | @ladysleuth69 Thank you, Virginia. Have a fabulous weekend! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:00:43 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | I will post a recap later today about this chat and of course, the case. Will add the clip, pics, link and more. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:01:18 +0000 |
JoeMcGinty | Looking forward to next week. Good luck to Virginia. #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:01:24 +0000 |
ladysleuth69 | @Vidocq_CC And you as well! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:01:31 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | Thanks again to @ladysleuth69 and best of luck with the case! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:01:47 +0000 |
Vidocq_CC | Signing off to blog the recap. See you for the next cold case live chat! #cclivechat | Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:02:16 +0000 |