Tammy Jo Kirk was a young girl who met a tragic and mysterious end in November 1979. Her remains were found in a cornfield in Livingston County, New York; it took 37 years to identify her. Her story is one of sadness, loss but also hope and perseverance.
Tammy Jo Kirk’s Early Life
Tammy Jo Kirk was born on January 2, 1963, in Florida, but her family moved to Texas when she was a child. Her parents’ marriage was troubled, and her mother eventually left, taking Tammy Jo and her two brothers with her. They lived in various places, including Pennsylvania and Ohio, but finally settled in Florida.
Tammy Jo’s Troubled Youth
Tammy Jo struggled with various problems as a teenager, including drug use and running away from home. She spent time in juvenile detention and was eventually placed in foster care. She moved to New York in 1979 to live with a foster family in the hopes of starting over.
Tammy Jo’s Disappearance and Murder
On November 10, 1979, Tammy Jo never returned to her foster home in Brockport, New York. Her remains were found the next day in a cornfield in Caledonia, New York. She had been shot in the head and was estimated to be between 13 and 19 years old. Her body remained unidentified for nearly four decades.
The Investigation
Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, Tammy Jo’s murder remained unsolved for many years. In 2014, Livingston County Sheriff Thomas Dougherty launched a renewed effort to identify her, and in 2015, her remains were exhumed for DNA testing. Through the efforts of various organizations, including the DNA Doe Project and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Tammy Jo was finally identified in 2016. Her killer has not yet been identified.
The Aftermath
Tammy Jo’s story has touched many people, and her memory lives on through various efforts to honor her. In 2018, a headstone was placed on her grave in Livingston County, New York. Her case has also inspired the creation of “Tammy’s Law,” a proposed law requiring DNA samples from missing persons’ family members to be entered into a national database.
Conclusion
Tammy Jo Kirk‘s life was cut short, but her memory lives on. Her story reminds us of the importance of perseverance, hope, and the power of DNA testing to solve cold cases. As we search for answers, we honor her memory and keep her legacy alive.
FAQs
Who killed Tammy Jo Kirk?
Tammy Jo’s killer has not yet been identified.
How long did it take to remember Tammy Jo?
Tammy Jo’s remains were identified in 2016, nearly 37 years after her murder.
What is Tammy’s Law?
Tammy’s Law is a proposed law requiring DNA samples from missing persons’ family members to be entered into a national database.
Where is Tammy Jo buried?
Tammy Jo is buried in Greenmount Cemetery in Dansville, New York.
How old was Tammy Jo when she was killed?
Tammy Jo was estimated to be between 13 and 19 years old at her death.
