An unknown woman that was killed 27 years ago this month has been identified by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Officials say the remains of 18-year-old Genelle Bradford were discovered on June 28, 1999 in the basement of a home on North Avenue in Wilkinsburg.
Her remains were discovered by a new home owner after he property had been empty for a year.
At the time, the Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide after evidence showed a Black female had been strangled.
She was reported missing from Wilkinsburg on April 24, 1999.
Through a grant from the state, officials were able to partner with forensic genetic company Othram to identify the victim.
“We are thrilled that once again this partnership has allowed us to provide answers to a family that was left in the dark for so long,” said Mandy Tinkey, Director of Forensic Services at the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner. “While the focus now shifts towards finding justice for Genelle, we are hopeful we can continue to provide answers for those impacted by the remaining cold cases we have shared with Othram.”
No suspects have been identified in Genelle’s death. Anyone with any information is asked to call 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
“This technology is testament to why we never stop investigating open cases,” said Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns. “We are grateful for the efforts of everyone involved, and now that Genelle has been formally identified, we will continue to follow every lead available to us in the hopes of getting answers for her family,”
