[quick important note, Stop to read: this work touches on sensitive topics that may be hard to read for some users. although I did my best to avoid disturbing descriptions and be fact-focused only, I can only do so much to avoid sensitive information about a topic like this. in compliance with the YWS rules, this message swears this work is purely for informing the reader, being fact-focused, and respecting the victims in the best way possible. because of this, this work is suitable for ages 14-18]
On January 28, 2012 sorrow and mystery hit the Opelika, Alabama area as the skeletal remains of an unknown little girl where discovered in a trailer park. Law enforcement called the unknown girl "Opelika Jane Doe" why you may ask? "Opelika" to specify geographical location of where the remains were discovered, and "Jane Doe" because of the use of the Doe network, an organization that helps bring closure to cold cases nationally and internationally especially involving unidentified subjects/victims. Items near the remains where also found, including a pink, long sleeved shirt with heart-shaped buttons and ruffles, but it is unclear if it belonged to Opelika Jane Doe. The Forensic analysis determined the remains to be that of a young African American female, aged 4 to 7, who also appeared to suffer from malnutrition and physical abuse. An abnormality in her left eye was also noted, though unclear if it was the result of abuse or congenital issues. Efforts to identify her had started, with the help of forensic artists at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, facial reconstruction images where created, helping law enforcement identify the young girl. Isotope testing suggested she lived in the southeastern United States. In January 2022, the Opelika Police Department Partnered with Othram, A Texas-Based laboratory that partakes in Advanced DNA testing and genetic genealogy. Through this, a more comprehensive genealogical profile was created for the unknown girl. Renowned genetic genealogist Barbara Rae-Venter assisted in the investigation for new leads, and this eventually lead the the identification of the biological parents. Finally, Opelika Jane Doe was identified as 6-year-old Amore Jo'Veah Wiggins (B. Jan 1, 2006-D. c.2011) Born to Sherry Wiggins and Lamar Vickerstaff Jr. In 2009, Vickerstaff and Ruth, his wife, obtained legal and physical custody of Amore, with Amore's biological mother's visitation rights suspended, though she continued to pay child support. Amore was never enrolled in school, and her whereabouts were unknown until the discovery of her remains. Following Amore's identification, Lamar and Ruth Vickerstaff were arrested. Lamar was charged with felony murder and failure to report a missing child, while Ruth faced charges for the latter. Lamar could be facing life imprisonment without the chance of parole or even the death penalty, while Ruth could face up to 10 years in prison. A funeral for Amore was held on February 25, 2023, almost 11 years after the discovery of her remains. Sources:
Wikipedia.org
thenetline.com
missingkids.org
dnasolves.com
morbidology.com
abc7chicago.com
firebirdforensics.org
alabamanow.com
crimeonline.com
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Hallo 😊 I have come for your essay to honour the 12 Days of Reviewing 2025 event! Let’s head right in!
First of all, there is a rating system on the site so you could have used that? Removing stuff from your essay to fit with a general audience will probably only hurt it in the long run, no?
I rly appreciate the explanation on why they call ppl who lost their memories or something “Doe” in stories. It happens IRL too <-- really out of touch, it seems ^^°
Oh I am not sure why Ruth also got charged since she had to give up custody? I … am speechless. It is a valuable insight into how such investigations are conducted and your writing remains appropriate for the subject. I’m not sure why you chose this topic tho. You’re A/N in the beginning could use some capitalization tho. Was not fond of that 😊
Hello there!
I love a good essay, and I find true crime to be very interesting - it's not for me, but I understand the appeal! It can be difficult to research cold cases because, of course, there is a reason why they are cold. Your essay draws from multiple sources, and I found that it demonstrates significant effort in gathering information about a complex cold case, which is respectable. Mentioning specific groups/people like NCMEC, Othram, and Barbara Rae-Venter adds credibility to your research as well, because even if your reader doesn't know who or what those are, they trust your expertise as the writer! That's always the goal for writing of this nature.
While many facts are included, the actual foundation of the essay lacks a clear thesis or guiding purpose (is this about the identification process? forensic science in general? the importance of remembering such event? justice outcomes? ... give an answer WHY). For example, the description of clothing found near the remains is mentioned, but it's not analyzed or connected to later investigation outcomes.
You summarize:
1. the failures of the system
2. the role of forensic genealogy
3. broader social implications
BUT you don't draw any meaningful conclusions from any of these concepts. As a result, your writing reads more like a timeline of events than a focused academic argument/analysis.
This is a very intense topic that deserves respect and empathy, but I don't think it follows through with that in execution - there is this blend of factual reporting and dramatic, casual language that undermines the death of this child. The tone sometimes reads like a true-crime blog rather than formal writing, which wouldn't necessarily be a negative IF (heavy on that word) that was the stated intention. For instance, you shouldn't use phrases such as "why you may ask?" because they undermine the seriousness of the subject matter; anything "academic" in nature should maintain an objective tone, ESPECIALLY when discussing sensitive topics such as child abuse and homicide.
The actual content is a very solid effort in gathering information, but I think it requires substantial improvement in organization, tone, grammar, citation practices, etc. That isn't to say that this is bad writing (it's a great concept, and you clearly care about the subject!), but I would advise a revision process that focuses on the mechanics of writing. Good luck and keep writing!
best,
floodlights
thank you so so much this is also an old essay I did I just thought I'd repost here, nobody really cared about it on deviant art. I made a few grammar corrections before posting and when I was in public school this was a big no no so this is the first time anyone has given me feedback.
also please forgive me if this sounded insensitive at all, that wasn't my intention what so ever and I can actually see what you mean about explaining the name "Opelika Jane Doe". I wanted to fix it but wasn't sure how exactly to carry through. thanks again for your feedback!