Woman's Remains Identified After 4 Years

Nashville police say Yadezia Jones' body was found in 2018 but remained unidentified until new DNA analysis in 2022.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:15am

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The Metro Nashville Police Department has announced that the remains of a woman found in 2018 have now been identified as Yadezia Jones, a 25-year-old Nashville resident at the time of her death. Jones' body was discovered by a driver on the side of Sulphur Creek Road in an advanced state of decomposition, dressed in Vanderbilt University athletic clothing. Despite efforts in 2018 to identify her through DNA profiling, it wasn't until 2022 that new genetic genealogy research led to her identification.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in identifying victims, especially when remains are found in an advanced state of decomposition. The use of emerging forensic technologies like genetic genealogy has helped solve cold cases like this one, providing closure for families and potentially leading to new investigative leads.

The details

In 2018, MNPD and the Medical Examiner's Office were unable to identify Jones through DNA profiling. It wasn't until 2022, when new biological samples were collected and analyzed by Othram Lab, that a comprehensive DNA profile was developed and uploaded to genetic genealogy databases. This, combined with research by DNA Investigative Solutions in 2025, ultimately led to Jones' identification.

  • On September 9, 2018, a driver discovered the woman's remains on the side of Sulphur Creek Road in Nashville.
  • In 2018, MNPD and the Medical Examiner's Office were unable to identify the woman through DNA profiling.
  • In 2022, new biological samples were collected and analyzed, leading to a comprehensive DNA profile that was uploaded to genetic genealogy databases.
  • In September 2025, DNA Investigative Solutions began genetic genealogy research on the case.
  • The combined efforts resulted in the identification of Yadezia Jones in 2026.

The players

Yadezia Jones

A 25-year-old Nashville resident whose remains were found in 2018 but remained unidentified until 2026.

Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD)

The law enforcement agency that investigated the discovery of the woman's remains in 2018 and ultimately identified Yadezia Jones in 2026.

Medical Examiner's Office

Worked with MNPD in 2018 to try to identify the woman's remains but were unsuccessful until new DNA analysis in 2022.

Othram Lab

The lab that developed a comprehensive DNA profile from new biological samples collected in 2022, which was key to identifying Yadezia Jones.

DNA Investigative Solutions

The company that began genetic genealogy research on the case in September 2025, contributing to the identification of Yadezia Jones.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Metro Nashville Police Department

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of emerging forensic technologies like genetic genealogy in solving cold cases and identifying victims, even years after their remains are discovered. It also underscores the collaborative efforts required between law enforcement, forensic labs, and other organizations to bring closure to families of missing persons.