In September 2021, a hiker found a human skull while walking along the Chautauqua Rails to Trails near Woleben Road in Portland, NY. Portland is a small town between Buffalo and Erie along the coast of Lake Erie. An extensive search was organized and the remains of another woman were also found. The second woman’s remains were identified as 50-year-old Marquita Mull, who had been killed just three months earlier in 2021. In January of this year, Richard J. Fox, a 62-year-old registered sex offender, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder for Mull’s death.

Investigators were unable to determine the identity of the other woman, but were able to conclude she died at least 10 years before she was found. With few leads to go on, the woman's identity was a mystery and she became known as Portland New York Jane Doe.

In 2024, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office sent forensic evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas in hopes that advanced DNA testing could help identify the Jane Doe. Othram scientists produced a suitable DNA extract from the skeletal remains. A comprehensive DNA profile was then developed for the woman using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team the conducted a genealogical search that resulted in new leads, which were provided to law enforcement.

Othram's casework costs associated with the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy completed in this case were provided by dedicated funding allocated by U.S. Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY). We are grateful to Congressman Langworthy for recognizing the need for this technology and securing the funding for the crucial project.

A follow-up investigation led to potential relatives of the woman. A potential relative provided a DNA sample, which was compared to the unknown woman’s DNA profile using KinSNP Rapid Relationship Testing. As a result of the testing and follow-up investigation, the woman is now known to be Cassandra Watson, who would be 61 years old if she were still alive. Investigators believe she was killed between 2002 and 2004. She was never reported missing. Richard J. Fox has also been charged with second-degree murder for the death of Cassandra Watson.

The identification of Cassandra Watson is the 10th publicly announced case in New York where investigators used technology developed by Othram to identify an individual. 

         

Premiere of Generations, Jewish Life Television’s 
Jewish-Themed Genealogy TV Series, 
Set for Monday, March 3, 2025, 
Profiling Camryn and Milo Manheim

—Created in Partnership with Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust and JewishGen— 

 

Pictured: Milo Manheim (Credit: Kal Yee), Camryn Manheim (Credit: Cathryn Farnsworth),

 Brad Pomerance (Credit: Joanna DeGeneres)  

New York, NY— Generations, the first Jewish-themed genealogy television series produced by the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, JewishGen, and JLTV, will launch on March 3, 2025 at 9:00 PM (ET and PT). The premiere episode will feature actors Camryn Manheim (Law and Order, the Practice) and her son, Milo Manheim (School Spirits, Zombies), exploring their DNA and family roots and revealing artifacts, objects, documents, and photographs to paint a full family portrait. 

Brad Pomerance, the host of several award-winning television programs, is anchoring Generations, and says, “Discovering one’s family history is a gift and an opportunity to learn more about oneself. It’s not only where we came from but how the lives of our ancestors shaped who we are today, and how that knowledge could, potentially, change our outlook on life. This is one of the most important projects of my career. We look forward to introducing viewers to Generations this fall, and are deeply grateful to Camryn, Milo, and their family for opening up their hearts to share their stories.”

“Learning about my ancestors and my Jewish heritage holds immense significance for me,” says Camryn Manheim.“It allows me to connect with my roots, understand the rich tapestry of my family's history, and appreciate the unimaginable struggles and triumphs that have shaped my life today. By learning about my ancestors, I am not only honoring their legacy but also gaining a deeper understanding of myself, my identity, and the world around me.”

“I am very excited to explore my Jewish roots and the lives of my ancestors,” says Milo Manheim. “Heritage is extremely important to my family, and tracing our roots will allow us to better understand the intangible attributes that have been passed down from generation to generation.  This journey will provide a deeper understanding of who I am and will further instill a profound sense of pride in my heritage. By delving into the past, I will gain insights into the challenges my ancestors faced and the resilience they displayed, inspiring me to embrace my own journey with renewed strength  and determination.” 

The groundbreaking series Generations is the first Jewish-themed genealogy television series that will use the vast digital resources of JewishGen; the historical resources of the Museum of Jewish Heritage; and the production resources of JLTV, to unravel centuries-old family mysteries and histories before and after landing on Ellis Island.                                              

"Understanding the lives of Jewish people through history, not just here in New York but globally, is core to the mission of the Museum of Jewish Heritage,” says Jack Kliger, President and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. “Generations will offer valuable and inspiring insight into family histories and the research it takes to illuminate them, exploring the struggles and accomplishments of those who came before us. We are grateful to be part of such a groundbreaking series.”

The episode, which also will feature discussions with Camryn’s brother, Law Professor Karl Manheim, and their 97-year-old mother, Sylvia Manheim, will reveal fascinating details about Camryn’s and Karl’s maternal and paternal lines from centuries past.

About Brad Pomerance

Brad Pomerance is the host of award-winning television programs such as Air Land & Sea on JLTV, Uncovered in the Archives on KVCR in Southern California, and formerly Local Edition on HLN and the California Channel. Brad has received several awards for his work from the American Psychological Association’s Society of Media Psychology, Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards, Los Angeles Press Club, Religion Communicators Council, Religion News Association, Society of American Archivists, the Telly Awards and the World Media Festival.

About Camryn Manheim

Camryn Manheim received an Emmy and Golden Globe Award for her feisty portrayal of defense attorney, Ellenor Frutt, on the hit television show, The Practice. In her long career that spans over 40 years, she has appeared in over 60 television shows, 40 movies, and countless plays. Currently, you can see her on location in the streets of Manhattan playing Lieutenant Kate Dixon on Law & Order. Other notable credits include: Stumptown, Utopia, The Magicians, Waco, Ghost Whisperer, Person of Interest, Two and a Half Men, Will & Grace, How I Met Your Mother, The L Word, Ally McBeal, Criminal Minds, Cop Car, Elvis, An Unfinished Life, Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion, Happiness, The Laramie Project, Dark Water, and The Road to Wellville. Camryn made her Broadway debut in Deaf West’s Tony-nominated production of Spring Awakening. She received her B.F.A from UC Santa Cruz and her M.F.A from New York University.  In 1999 Manheim fulfilled a lifelong dream and became a New York Times best-selling author with her book, Wake Up, I'm Fat! When she’s not filming, she teaches and lectures all over the United States and abroad.

About Milo Manheim

A second-generation actor, son of award-winning actress Camryn Manheim, Milo was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After growing up on the sets of The Practice and Ghost Whisperer, Milo was bitten by the acting bug and has since become a sought after actor in his own right. Milo has had a big year so far, starring in three very well-received projects in March alone including Paramount+’s YA drama series School Spirits, Disney’s rom-com Prom Pact, and Disney’s Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. Rounding out 2023, Milo will star in Sony’s Journey To Bethlehem as Joseph (releasing November 10th) and Eli Roth’s horror thriller Thanksgiving (releasing November 17th). In 2022, Milo reprised his lead role as charismatic zombie Zed in Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3, the third installment in Disney's hugely successful franchise. In 2018, he wowed audiences and came in second place in the 27th season of ABC's Dancing With The Stars.  

About JLTV

Jewish Life Television (JLTV) is North America’s largest and most robust 24-7, Jewish-themed, English language television network. JLTV provides high-quality, Jewish-inspired programming for audiences of all faiths who share an interest in the Jewish experience in North America, Israel, and around the world. JLTV is available through traditional and non-traditional video providers in the United States and Canada, including Bell Fibe, Charter/Spectrum, Comcast/Xfinity, Cox, DirectTV, and more (www.jltv.tv/channels). Over four million households watch JLTV every month.  For more information, visit https://www.jltv.tv. 

About JewishGen

JewishGen was founded in 1987 and serves as the global home for Jewish genealogy. Featuring unparalleled access to more than 30 million records, it offers unique search tools, along with opportunities for researchers to connect with others who share similar interests. There is no charge to access JewishGen’s resources. JewishGen is an affiliate of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. For more information, visit www.jewishgen.org.

About the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust

The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is committed to the crucial mission of educating diverse visitors and community members about Jewish life and heritage before, during, and after the Holocaust. The third-largest Holocaust museum in the world, the Museum of Jewish Heritage anchors the southernmost tip of Manhattan, completing the cultural and educational landscape it shares with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The Museum of Jewish Heritage maintains a collection of almost 40,000 artifacts, photographs, documentary films, and survivor testimonies and contains classrooms, a 375-seat theater (Edmond J. Safra Hall), special exhibition galleries, a resource center for educators, and a memorial art installation, Garden of Stones, designed by internationally acclaimed sculptor Andy Goldsworthy. 

The Museum’s current offerings include The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do, a major new exhibition offering a timely and expansive presentation of Holocaust history, now on view in the main galleries. Also on view is Survivors: Faces of Life After the Holocaust, featuring photographer Martin Schoeller’s portraits of Holocaust survivors. Opening this fall is the Museum’s first exhibition for visitors aged 9 and up, Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark, which will bring the lessons of the Holocaust to life through the remarkable story of Danish collective resistance during World War II. 

Each year, the Museum presents over 80 public programs, connecting our community in person and virtually through lectures, book talks, concerts, and more. For more info visit: mjhnyc.org/events. Museum receives general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts.

For more information, visit: mjhnyc.org

From: BBC News, Wiltshire:

Salisbury Cathedral

The new enclosure in the cathedral's chapter house ensures light levels do not get too high

One of the four remaining copies of Magna Carta has been placed inside a new display box to prevent fading and to increase its security.

The document, which was signed in 1215, is based at Salisbury Cathedral and is estimated to be worth more than £20m.

Its new home has upgraded LED light control levels and more safety features. 

Salisbury Cathedral's archivist Emily Naish said: "It is in excellent condition. We like to think that ours is the best preserved."

Russell Sach

The Salisbury copy of Magna Carta is believed to be the best preserved of the 1215 copies

Millions of tourists have visited Salisbury to view Magna Carta, which established the right of trial by jury and ensured that no one was above the law.

There was an attempt to steal it in 2018 when a man with a hammer managed to make holes in the protective glass.

While there are four copies from 1215, there are later medieval ones, including one made in 1297 that sold in the US for more than £10m in 2007.

Translated from Latin as "Great Charter", most of it is now not relevant, but signed by King John at Runnymede in 1215, it is seen as the foundation of English laws.

It has influenced later documents, including the US constitution.

The Weld County Sheriff’s Office has identified human skeletal remains that were found by hunters more than 50 years ago. The remains, which were found near the Saint Vrain River on November 19, 1973, were identified in December 2024 as Roxanne Leadbeater, a teenage girl who went missing the previous year. 

When the remains were originally found, investigators believed they belonged to a young woman, but were unable to specifically identify the person. Detectives with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations were able to identify the remains in December with the help of genetic genealogy, facial recognition, and family tree websites like GED Match and Family Tree DNA. 

After making the connection, the Weld County Sheriff’s Office reached out to Pam Simek, a cousin of Leadbeater who lives in Vermont. Simek said she had never met Leadbeater. She said her family was sad upon hearing of her disappearance and wanted to know more answers. Leadbetter’s parents and brother are deceased, so Simek was not able to share the news with them. 

Investigators still don’t have the answers for why and how Leadbeater died or why she was in Colorado at the time of her death. Leadbeater lived in Los Angeles at the time of her death, according to records found in the family tree databases. Weld County Sheriff’s Office Detective Byron Kastilahn said she was 15 years old when she went to Colorado. Records indicate that Leadbeater went missing in 1972, when she was 15, and her body was found in 1973.

Simek said she was unaware of any connection or reason for Leadbeater to be in Colorado at the time of her death. Detective Katilahn said the department has been unable to locate a missing person’s report in Colorado and the last known picture of Leadbeater is from a Lawndale High School yearbook from California. 

Investigators don’t know if Leadbeater died of natural causes, an accident, or if she was killed. Detective Katilahn said he is hopeful that the department can get more information and solve more cases with the use of genetic genealogy.  

CBI Director Chris Schaefer, in a press release, said the case “highlights the importance of preserving evidence, even for decades-old crimes. Advancements in DNA technology have given us a powerful tool to help solve cold cases and bring long overdue answers to the families of victims who were never forgotten.”   

Anyone with details regarding Leadbeater’s death or time spent in Colorado is asked to contact Detective Katilahn at 970-400-2827.

I am super excited to share that MyHeritage has just launched a major and groundbreaking new DNA product: Ancient Origins, a feature that complements our DNA ethnicity reports and traces your origins up to 10,000 years into the past. Ancient Origins allows MyHeritage DNA customers to discover the ancient populations they descend from, such as Imperial Romans, Norse Vikings, Phoenicians, and Ancient Egyptians. MyHeritage is currently the only major genealogy service to offer such high-resolution ancient DNA ethnicity analysis. Ancient Origins is the result of a new partnership between MyHeritage and Illustrative DNA, a startup company that is at the forefront of ancient ethnicity analysis. It compares an individual’s DNA to ancient DNA samples and populations from the Neolithic Period through the late Middle Ages, providing greater depth to the understanding of one’s ethnic makeup. This is a rich feature that offers many different kinds of reports, including breakdowns from several different historical periods. See, for example, my Ancient Origins results from the Bronze Age: We have also created a cool video you can also see and share.

The Library of Virginia will be hosting several genealogy workshops throughout the rest of 2025 to help people explore their family history.

The Library of Virginia stores a large collection of records, materials and documents that relate to the lives of Virginians from all walks of life. According to the library, this creates a good environment for people to come and learn about their ancestry.

The series of workshops they offer is ongoing, and as of the time of reporting it lasts until October 2025. There are workshops for people at all levels of genealogy experience, and they offer collections as well as advice on how to embark on the research journey.

For more information about the workshops themselves and to choose which ones you wish to attend, click here.

There are also several resources available online to help begin the search, including a guide to the library’s genealogy resources and various research organization methods.

The following book review was written by Bobbi King:

Book Review: The Deserter’s Tale

by Nathan Dylan Goodwin. Self-published. 2023. 147 pages.

Here, Nathan Goodwin sends his protagonist, the seasoned forensic genealogist Morton Farrier, out and away from his cozy home in historic Sussex, England, to the crowded, expansive and world-wide gathering of genealogists whose calling brings them to the nexus of genealogy, the Mormon-founded city of Salt Lake City, Utah, in the arid Great Basin of the United States. Genealogy professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts annually attend the grand and venerated gathering known simply as RootsTech. 

Farrier will be a featured speaker for RootsTech, and his presentation preparations are incomplete. Furthermore, he has been tasked with the usual work of solving a family mystery, the familiar position genealogists finds themselves in as their experience and expertise accrue “fame” throughout the family, and relatives come calling with queries and questions they expect the genealogist to embrace with ardor and enthusiasm, but which actually induce chagrin and annoyance at the prospect of unpaid and unsolicited work. 

In the comfortable family warmth of Farrier’s household hangs a vague, gray cloud of ‘Why’ over the consciousness of Farrier’s wife Juliette. Whenever she pauses to consider the baffling desertion of her great-grandfather of his family, her family, her heart reverberates with the sorrow of lingering questions, the bitterness of broken family ties, and the nebulous feelings of loss that a century-old family disappearance conjures.

As Farrier prepares to depart England for his arduous trip to the States, his unease is magnified, not so much over his scheduled presentations to hundreds of eager classroom attendees, but rather, by an unresolved romantic relationship, years in the past and nearly forgotten, but soon to be uncomfortably refreshed when he likely meets up again with an old flame, as her own RootsTech participation brings her to the same corridors as he will soon be navigating through. Meeting his bygone love will leave him no choice but to come to terms with his emotional memories; their parting was irresolute, could their meeting bring settlement?

Fans of Nathan Dylan Goodwin will recognize this tenth book in the Morton Farrier series. We’ve enjoyed his books for some twenty years now. His novels weave back and forth between the dual timelines of the past and present, doling out revelations in the back story just at the right moments, before returning to present-day suspense. Tangled webs of mystery and unanswered questions stymy Farrier’s search for truth, and keep us, the readers, turning pages far into the night.

It is with great sadness that I pass along the word that  Robert Charles Anderson, FASG, passed away yesterday. He was a friend and the renowned author and director of the Great Migration series and study project at American Ancestors (NEHGS). 

I don’t think I can write a proper obituary. Instead, I will refer you to a (much too brief) article (that I suspect was written by Bob) at: https://www.americanancestors.org/robert-charles-anderson-fasg-0 and another article written by Cyndi Ingle at: https://www.facebook.com/cyndi.ingle2  

One week after President Trump fired the head of the National Archives and Records Administration, the second-in-command, the deputy archivist, has informed colleagues of his intent to retire, a source familiar with the situation confirmed to CBS News Friday.

William “Jay” Bosanko served as chief operating officer for the National Archives when the FBI served a search warrant on Mar-a-Lago in August 2022 in order to seize boxes of Trump records, including classified material, that the agency said had not been properly transferred to the Archives at the conclusion of Mr. Trump’s first term.

According to two sources familiar with the situation, Bosanko was pushed out by Jim Byron, a 31-year old who was recently president of the Richard Nixon Foundation. Byron delivered Bosanko an ultimatum: Resign now or be fired next week.

Reached by phone Friday evening, Byron declined to comment.

Byron has been working out of the Archives’ offices as a political appointee representing the White House. Byron has often described himself as a mentee of Hugh Hewitt, an ardent pro-Trump commentator who preceded Bryon as head of the Nixon Foundation and who now sits on its board. (The Nixon Foundation and the Archives have occasionally been in conflict with each other, which often happens with presidential foundations and the government agency that oversees presidential libraries, according to an Archives source.)

The first notice to staff came in an email Friday from Deputy Archivist William J. Bosanko, who told members of his team that he was retiring and that it had been “a privilege and an honor to work” at the Archives for the last 32 years.

If you have been waiting for the right to test or gift a DNA kit, this is it.   Order MyHeritage DNA today We recently updated our Ethnicity Estimate model, which nearly doubled the percentage-based ethnicities identified by MyHeritage from 42 to 79. MyHeritage DNA also pinpoints your origins across 2,114 geographic regions, reveals matches to new relatives around the world, and offers the most comprehensive set of genetic genealogy tools available.