The Coconut Creek Police Department has identified a woman known only as “Jane Doe” for the past 45 years.

On September 28, 1981, officers responded to the 6700 block of Lyons Road to investigate after a woman was found dead in a canal. A subsequent autopsy revealed she had died of gunshot wounds to the head. At the time, she had no identification on her, so the victim was labeled “Jane Doe.”

Last November, the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office found the victim’s original fingerprint card in its archives. The fingerprints were run through the National Crime Information Center database and there was a hit. The fingerprints matched Barbara Overby, age 24, of Fort Lauderdale.

A detective found Overby’s family in North Carolina. They had not seen or heard from her in more than 45 years. The family recalled rumors of her residing in Florida but could never be completely sure. The family sent two pictures they had of her that are included in this post.

One of our detectives is hoping this might generate new leads in this murder investigation. Anyone who can help can call 954-973-6700.

The investigation is ongoing.