She was found in an alleyway in 1996, wearing a smiley-face t-shirt and a teddy bear watch. For 27 years, no one could say who she was.
An Unidentified Discovery
In May 1996, the unidentified remains of a teenage girl were found in an alleyway in Highland Park, Michigan, wearing a white t-shirt with a smiley-face pattern, a white skirt, white socks and gym shoes, and a teddy bear watch. Despite efforts over the years, including DNA testing and a 2015 exhumation to apply updated forensic standards, she remained unidentified for more than two decades.
A Breakthrough
In 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children worked with the Highland Park Police Department to submit the case to Intermountain Forensics, which developed a usable DNA data file. That profile was shared with genealogists at Innovative Forensic Investigations, who uploaded it to ancestry databases and traced potential family connections. A tip generated through that forensic genetic genealogy work led to her identification as Mindy Clevidence, then 17 at the time of her death.
A Homicide Investigation
Highland Park police have classified Clevidence's death as a homicide, and the investigation into how she died remains active. Police Chief James McMahon said identifying her was an important first step, but that finding her killer remains the goal, expressing belief that someone likely still holds information relevant to the case.
The Family's Response
In a statement released through NCMEC, Clevidence's family expressed gratitude to investigators for the work that led to her identification, while asking for privacy as they process the news and renewed grief it has brought.
FAQ
How was Mindy Clevidence identified after so long?
Forensic genetic genealogy — matching a DNA profile developed from her remains against ancestry databases — led investigators to her identity.
Has anyone been charged in her death?
No. Her death has been classified as a homicide, and the investigation into who killed her remains active.
Who should be contacted with information?
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office at 313-318-8516 or NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.