Amore Joveah Wiggins, formerly known as Baby Jane Doe and Opelika Jane Doe, was a child whose partial skeleton was found near a trailer park in 2012.
In 2016, someone surfaced a lead suggesting that she was possibly seen alive near the area where her remains were found - although authorities have yet to confirm this. She was a victim of abuse and neglect, and authorities ruled her death a homicide.
She was identified on January 19, 2023, by Othram, Inc. On January 17, 2023, Lamar Vickerstaff, her father, was charged with felony murder, and his wife, Ruth Vickerstaff, was charged with failure to report a missing child.
Case[]
It's assumed that Amore had experienced neglect and abuse while alive. Authorities found only a few bones, including the skull and mandible.
Isotope testing suggested she was likely native to Alabama or its bordering states, including parts of Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, or South Carolina.
The location of the remains indicated the individual or individuals who disposed of the body were familiar with the area and most likely native to Opelika.
Possible sighting[]
In 2016, investigators received a tip containing photographs taken during vacation bible school sessions at the Greater Peace Church in 2011. The pictures depicted an unidentified girl strongly resembling the Jane Doe. The child seen alive appeared neglected, and she had a visible defect in one of her eyes. All attempts to locate and identify this girl have proved unsuccessful.
In May 2020, authorities released enhanced images of this child, hoping to increase the chances of identification.
In 2022, authorities announced that their investigation had led them to believe the girl may have been from Virginia or North Carolina. They also believe she has ties to Orlando, Florida.
Characteristics[]
- Black hair.
- She was likely poorly nourished during life.
- There were signs she suffered from physical abuse.
- She likely had a deformity or scarring to her left eye.
Clothing[]
- A pink shirt with long sleeves, a "ruffled" neckline, and heart-shaped buttons was found near the remains.
- It is unknown if this belonged to the victim.
Gallery[]
Sources[]
- Amore Wiggins at the Doe Network
- Amore Wiggins on Wikipedia
- WTVM
- WRBL
- NCMEC blog
- FBI
- DNASolves