Remains of Woman Found in 2018 Identified

The remains of an unidentified woman found in 2018 on the side of Sulpher Creek Road have now been identified as Yadezia Jones, who would have been 25 at the time of the discovery.

On September 8, 2018, a motorist discovered Jones' body which was in an advanced state of decomposition. She was wearing a black sweatshirt and athletic pants with the Vanderbilt University emblem on them.

MNPD and the Medical Examiner's Office were unable to identify the woman. The University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (UNTCHI) developed DNA profiles that were entered into a national database, but there were no matches. In 2022, new biological samples were collected for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) for analysis. The samples were sent that same year to Othram Lab which developed a comprehensive DNA profile. That profile was uploaded to Family Tree DNA and GED Match Pro. In September 2025, DNA Investigative Solutions also began doing genetic genealogy research in this case. The recent identification was a result of these combined efforts.

The cause and manner of death remain undetermined. Jones, of Nashville, had no known connection to Vanderbilt.

Anyone with information regarding Jones, whose date of birth was May 24, 1993, is asked to call Cold Case Unit Detective Andrew Davis at 615-862-7720.

MNPD would like to thank retired Detective Matthew Filter, the Medical Examiner's Office, DNA Investigative Solutions, Othram Lab, University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (UNTCHI), National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the media for their assistance with this case.