Investigators identify woman who was found in farmer's field with multiple stab wounds in 1990

TROY, Ill. (TCN) -- Investigators recently identified a woman whose remains were found in a soybean field nearly 35 years ago.

According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, a farmer discovered a woman's body in a field on July 20, 1990. Responding detectives determined the victim died of homicidal violence, and she had been left there for approximately a week before the discovery.

In a press conference reviewed by KSDK-TV, Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor said the woman's body was in an advanced state of decomposition, and genetic genealogy company Othram noted she had multiple stab wounds to her neck and torso.

Despite investigators' efforts, officials were unable to identify the decedent, and the case went cold.

In 2024, authorities reopened the case and worked with Othram to help name the victim. Upon further investigation, officials identified the woman as Wynona Michel. She was reportedly 30 at the time of her death and would be 65 if she were still alive. Michel had two children, including one who is still living.

Michel was reportedly born in Los Angeles and had lived in Tennessee and Florida before returning to California. According to the sheriff's office, Michel was last seen by her family when she visited the Washington, D.C., area around May 1990.

While in Washington, she was allegedly with a truck driver. Connor reportedly said, "Her lifestyle was riding around with truck drivers."

No suspects have been named in her death.

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