DNA breakthroughs identified murdered Fresno teen as Michelle Louise Collier, and her family said they are “forever grateful”

Michelle Louise Collier disappeared on Feb. 19, 1978. Nearly five decades later, a Kern County Jane Doe has finally been identified as the missing 15-year-old, bringing long-awaited answers to a family that never stopped searching.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced Tuesday that Collier was the unidentified girl whose skeletal remains were discovered in a shallow grave at a rural Kern County vineyard. A tractor operator found the remains in June 1978, but investigators were unable to identify her at the time.

Her cause of death was ultimately ruled undetermined, while the manner of death was classified as homicide. After months without an identification, Collier was buried as a Jane Doe at Arvin Cemetery.

Now, nearly 50 years later, Collier’s older sister, Cynthia Dunbar, said the family finally has a “tremendous amount of closure.” 

Dunbar, alongside her eldest sister, Tracy Sinclair, and Sinclair’s spouse, Sandra Fusco, spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday following the sheriff’s office announcement. Dunbar said she was also speaking on behalf of their mother, Maria, who was unable to attend the press conference due to “poor health.” A cream-colored teardrop-shaped urn with a gold heart at the center sat on a table beside the three.

Dunbar thanked the sheriff’s department and coroner’s office for their dedication to identifying her sister, saying she will continue telling Collier’s story as an example of what can happen when law enforcement works diligently alongside families.

Collier’s identification was made possible through Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, or FIGG. According to the family, Collier’s half-brother, his wife and their cousin had all submitted DNA, presumably through a family tree research site.

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Although DNA was not collected when Collier was first buried, her remains were exhumed in August 2007 so investigators could obtain a sample and reopen the case.

In March 2015, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children offered its assistance to the KCSO, leading to a facial reconstruction of the Jane Doe. Although the image was circulated that year and again during a 2015 missing persons event, investigators developed no new leads.

In August 2025, investigators received a positive DNA match. By October, the Jane Doe had been officially identified as Collier, and DNA provided by her mother confirmed the identification.

Addressing her sister through tears, Dunbar said, “To our sister Shell. You didn’t deserve to die this way, Shelley. Barely 15 years old, still a child with your whole life ahead of you. I’m sorry that we didn’t protect you.”

Dunbar also had a message for her sister’s assailant.

“To the person who killed our sister, the shock of finding out we lost our sister to a homicide is overwhelming to our entire family, especially to our 85-year-old mother Maria,” Dunbar said. “Your cowardice act affected our entire family – but make no mistake. Law enforcement will find you and hold you accountable. May God bless your soul, because you’re going to hell if you’re not there already.”

Several detectives who worked the case attended the press conference. Detective Ashley Thompson, who is currently the lead investigator in this case, said FIGG opened doors that were not available decades ago. She said she remains committed to solving Collier’s homicide and that the KCSO is testing additional Jane and John Doe cases in hopes of reuniting more families with their loved ones.

Thompson told reporters that identifying Collier has helped narrow the suspect pool in her murder, but she declined to discuss potential suspects or say how many investigators are considering. She also thanked the family for its patience and support throughout the investigation.

“It’s a privilege to know you and to contribute to this investigation,” Thompson said. “Cases of this magnitude deeply affect us all. It serves as a powerful reminder to value your loved ones.”

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information from anyone who knew Collier. Detectives ask those with information that could aid in the investigation to contact Detective Thompson at 661-861-3110 or through a secret witness line at 661-322-4040.