COVINGTON, La. — After 38 years, authorities in Louisiana have successfully identified a woman whose lifeless body was discovered floating in Lake Pontchartrain.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that the homicide victim’s remains were found on June 19, 1986, near the Interstate 10 Twin Span bridges close to Slidell. For decades, she was referred to merely as “Lake Lady Jane Doe.”
The sheriff’s office announced in a recent news release that the woman has been identified as Pamela Lee Hupp, who was also known as Deborah Gail Justice. Hupp, born in April 1958, was reportedly pregnant at the time of her demise, and her last known address was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Investigators continue to probe the details surrounding her death. The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with any information related to the case to reach out to them at (985) 898-2341.
Sheriff Randy Smith expressed gratitude to the numerous investigators who have worked on this case throughout the years, emphasizing their commitment to utilizing available resources and technology to finally put a name to the victim. “Our detectives will not stop working until they have identified and arrested the person(s) responsible for Ms. Hupp’s death,” he stated.
The case initially began when a fisherman stumbled upon Hupp’s body in the lake. The local coroner’s office subsequently examined her remains and classified the case as a homicide. Despite various investigative efforts over the years, including DNA testing and features on programs like “America’s Most Wanted,” the identity of the victim remained a mystery.
In September 2022, a grant from NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) enabled additional DNA testing and genealogical research. By April 2023, investigators successfully identified possible family members of the victim, confirming Hupp’s identity.
The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of technological advancements in solving cold cases, and it brings hope to families of missing persons that they may one day find closure regarding their loved ones.