Harris County Jane Doe from 1992 has been identified as Houston mother Joann Zamora. Her homicide remains under investigation.
HOUSTON — More than three decades after her remains were found in a wooded area, Harris County Jane Doe (1992) has been identified as Joann Zamora, a Houston woman and loving mother, according to Moxxy Forensic Investigations and the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Discovery in 1992
Joann’s remains were discovered on Sept. 8, 1992, by a passerby. At the time, investigators described her as a white/Caucasian woman between 20 and 30 years old, about 5-foot-1, with brown hair. She suffered from scoliosis in her lower spine and had artificial upper front teeth secured with a temporary dental bridge. Despite extensive efforts, her identity remained a mystery for more than 30 years.
Breakthrough with genetic genealogy
In 2024, Moxxy Forensic Investigations launched an Investigative Genetic Genealogy effort, funded entirely by public crowdfunding and sponsored by Criminal Coffee Co. The work officially began on Dec. 5, 2024. Intermountain Forensics played a key role, successfully extracting DNA from Joann’s remains to create a viable profile for genealogical research.
A team of eight volunteer genealogists from Moxxy worked the case, and in 2025, they positively identified Joann Zamora.
“This accomplishment underscores the power of genetic genealogy in modern investigations, opening new doors for solving even the most challenging cases,” said Derrick Levasseur, founder of Criminal Coffee Co.
Remembering Joann
Joann was last seen in Houston. Her family described her as a vibrant, outgoing woman who lived life with joy and determination.
“Words cannot fully express what it means to finally have answers after more than 32 years,” said Spencer Zamora Graham, Joann’s daughter. “While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we are deeply grateful to those who cared enough to seek the truth about a stranger who had no name and stood alone for so long.”
Ongoing homicide investigation
Authorities confirmed Joann was the victim of a homicide, and her death remains under investigation by the Houston Police Department. Criminal Coffee Co. has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.
“Our entire team poured their hearts into this case,” said Katie Thomas, co-founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations. “Joann was never just a case number to us — she was someone’s mother, someone’s daughter, someone who mattered. Every person deserves to have their name returned, and we are honored to have helped bring Joann home.”
What’s next
Moxxy Forensic Investigations continues working to restore names to unidentified individuals. The group is now fundraising for another case — a 1994 Jane Doe also found in Harris County. To donate, visit moxxyforensics.com/donate.
Anyone with information regarding the death of Joann Zamora is asked to contact the Houston Police Department Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-8477.
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