Local

Jacksonville woman identified in 13-year-old Texas murder

A Jacksonville woman killed in Texas more than 12 years ago has finally been identified. Investigators said the woman known as “Lavender Doe” is really Dana Dodd, 21.

In 2006, deputies said her body was found in a burning wood pile, badly decomposed.

Over the years, investigators never stopped trying to identify the woman, who became known as Lavender Doe, because of the color of her sweater.

“They did reconstruction; they entered her DNA into the existing law enforcement databases. They tried to get attention in the media,” said Kevin Lord, volunteer with DNA Doe Project.

Lord said his group started working on the case last summer.

Months later, they were able to identify Dodd using genetic material.

“We get it into a format that we can upload to these public genealogy databases online where others upload their DNA to compare to each other to find family relatives,” he said.

Lord said identifying Dodd might not bring closure to Dodd’s family, but it will give them answers.

“Being able to finally put the mystery to rest is definitely rewarding,” Lord said.

Investigators said Joseph Burnett, 41, is in custody. He’s also charged in the July death of another woman. Investigators said he’s confessed to both killings.