Michigan woman brutally murdered in California identified after 42 years

A woman who was brutally murdered in San Diego, California, has been identified after 42 years as Elaine Armstrong from Michigan.

On Oct. 16, 1981, the remains of an unidentified woman were found behind an office supply shop in San Diego, California. She had been beaten, stabbed, and set on fire. Her purse was found near her remains, but her identification was unreadable due to fire damage.

She had been wearing a purple/gray/off-white head scarf with yellow print, a light blue print shirt, several layers of jackets, and dark blue socks. Investigators believe she died only hours before her body was discovered.

She was known in the Pacific Beach area as “The Bag Lady.” She was unhoused and was often seen carrying her clothes in a paper bag. Her true identity remained unknown until recently.

Just this year, the San Diego District Attorney’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram, who was able to build a comprehensive DNA profile for Armstrong. The team used forensic genetic genealogy to develop investigative leads, which they handed over to investigators.

The San Diego District Attorney’s Office met with potential genetic relatives and in December 2023, the medical examiner was able to confirm the woman’s identity. She has been identified as Elaine Armstrong, 51, from Michigan.

Armstrong was born in 1930 and was originally from Manistee, Michigan, and later lived in Midland, Michigan. Her family has been notified. The remaining evidence from the crime scene will be re-examined in an attempt to identify her killer.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Diego Police Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

You can learn more about this case from DNA Solves.