Milwaukee cold case solved after more than 40 years through DNA technology
Milwaukee cold case solved after more than 40 years through DNA technology
Publish Date: 2026-06-04 12:23:00
Source Domain: wtmj.com
MILWAUKEE — More than four decades after investigators pulled an unidentified woman from the Milwaukee River, authorities have finally been able to identify her.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office announced that advanced forensic genetic genealogy has identified the woman as Berline Trammel, who was born on Nov. 17, 1955.
An off-duty firefighter discovered the woman’s body floating in the river on March 16, 1982. Investigators at the time estimated she may have been in the water for as long as three months before her body was recovered.
Despite extensive efforts, investigators could not identify her using the technology and records available at the time.
In recent years, investigators reopened the case and turned to advanced DNA analysis and forensic genetic genealogy. Working together, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, Milwaukee Police Department, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation traced biological relatives and ultimately confirmed the woman’s identity as Trammel.
The breakthrough closes a case that remained unresolved for more than 40 years.
While it’s still unclear how she died, officials say Trammel’s family has been notified and expressed gratitude for finally receiving answers.
