Oakland police, FBI identify teen girl killed in 1969 cold case with help of DNA

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Police Department and the FBI announced on Thursday the name of a teenage girl strangled in a hotel bed in 1969 as well as the name of the suspect who allegedly killed her. 

1969 cold case: Teenage girl ID'd

What we know:

Speaking at a news conference, OPD Chief James Beere identified the girl as Joanne Yvonne Burdick, a 16-year-old girl, whose body was found at the St. Louis Hotel in Oakland 57 years ago on Oct. 2, 1969. 

Until now, she had never been formally identified.

"For decades, her family lacked answers," Beere said.

He said that suspect Taylor Teaford, known as the Crew Cut killer, has never been arrested. He had been in the hotel room with her at one point. 

Teaford was previously listed on the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives list from 1968 to 1972 for the murder of his grandmother in 1967. Beere said he was also convicted of rape. 

Suspect whereabouts unknown

What we don't know:

Beere said he's investigating what happened to Teaford, including if he is even still alive. 

"It was in the media, obviously it was a very tragic incident," Beere said. "It shocked the consciousness of the community here in Oakland. A young girl getting murdered in a hotel room in Downtown, obviously was lured in, during broad daylight."

Technology and DNA led investigators to the victim's brother, which led them to her identification. Her family had filed a missing person's report on her. 

"Modern forensic tools made it possible to revisit evidence that could not be fully analyzed decades ago," said Scott Schelbe, FBI special agent in charge.

Beere said her family was very appreciative and helpful in the case. 

"We recognize that no investigation can change what happened to Joannie," Beere said. "We hope that today’s announcement will provide answers to her family, and we continue to pursue justice 57 years later."

The suspect has never been located. If alive, Teaford would be 91.
 

Oakland