Millennial learns how to use microfilm

Today, I took a trip to the Chester County library. Research-wise, I have been relegated to generic Google and less-than-holy Tor browser searches for information on Suitcase Jane Doe (SJD). But, because of the lack of information available online, I decided to try it the old-fashioned way. A kindly librarian assisted me in scouring digital archives of the Philadelphia Inquirer and some microfilm of The Daily Local News (small circulation newspaper for Chester Co). It yielded little new information, but provided me names of individuals who were involved with the investigation, including Bucks Co. DA, forensic specialists, and the hospital in which the autopsy was conducted on the torso. These articles are available to view here.

Here are a few things of note: 

• It seems both the discovery of the torso and legs were overshadowed by larger, even national, news stories at the time. 
  • The torso was found in late July, 1995, the same time as the O.J. Simpson trials. Even the local newspaper dedicated more space to the Simpson trial than it did to any updates on the SJD case. In fact, there was no mention of SJD in the Daily Local News from July 16th, until the discovery of the legs in January, 1997. 
  • A scandal erupted in Chester County during the month of July in which female inmates accused male guards of sexual abuse. This must have preoccupied the D.A.'s office. 
  • The discovery of the legs on January 28, 1996, happened just at the same time that  infamous heir John Du Pont, was on the run from authorities for the January 26th murder of Dave Schultz. Not only was this a national news story, but it happened locally, so obviously police and public  attention was not focused on SJD. It wasn't until February 2 that the connection between the legs found in Bucks County and the torso in Chester County was made in the Daily Local. 
• The news was also dominated by reports on the heatwave sweeping across America in the summer of '95. It doesn't seem too shocking nowadays, what with global warming and all, but it was assuredly noteworthy at the time. Weather should always be a consideration when looking at a crime scene. Hotter temperatures will accelerate decomposition,  rain can wash away evidence, wet ground can yield footprints or tire tracks, etc. 
  • On July 11, 1995, the weather reported a high of 86F, partly sunny with a potential thundershower.