Alyce Peterson: The Weirdest Doe Story I've Heard

WARNING: This post involves details of corpse mutilation. Viewer discretion advised!

Undated image of Alyce Peterson (1909 - 2001)

Another Doe has been identified this year, which always brings me a bittersweet joy. However, upon reading the details on this Doe before their death, it actually astonished and kind of disturbed me. And it will perturb you to, once you hear about it.

Today's post is about Alyce Catharnia Peterson (née: Philen), an elderly women who-...well, she actually died naturally, and had family who knew of her...but became a Doe anyway. How? Let me let you in on it.

Decedent Background

Alyce Philen (Peterson upon marriage) was born in 1909 and lived in South Dokata for most of her life. She later moved to Stillwater, Minnesota. She lived a long 92 years before her untimely death on July 23rd, 2001...of natural causes, keep that in mind. In specific, she died at Regions Hospital, St. Paul Minnesota. Her cause of death was an aortic aneurysm. This was on her death certificate.

Alyce was going to be cremated for her family. This was scheduled to be done two days later, in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Maplewood, Minnesota.

Her body was scheduled to be cremated at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Maplewood, Minnesota, two days later. The crematorium later gave her family her cremated remains.

At least...they thought so.

St. Croix County Jane Doe

Crime scene

On October 21st, 2002, a group of hiking boy scouts were walking in a wooded path of Houlton, Wisconsin, when they came across a rather unfortunate sight. It was someone's skull inside of a plastic bag in a garbage pail.

A cause of death couldn't be determined, and there was no trauma, but it appeared the decedent had been beheaded using a hand saw. Suspicious and disturbing. She had been dead for around a year.

The skull belonged to a woman, estimated to be middle aged or elderly, 35 - 60 years to be specific. Initially, it was also thought she was Asian or Native American.

She had mousy brown hair, and other unique characteristics included wide-set eyes, a pronounced forehead, flat nose, and no teeth. It was also thought she may have had a mental disability.

Original reconstructions, depicting her with Asian / Aboriginal features

DNA Doe Project

The case went under the radar until 2022, about 20 years later, when the well-known DNA Doe Project began working on the case. Their testing would prove more things about the decedent.

First of all, it was thought the victim was more likely of White ancestry as opposed to Asian or Indigenous ancestry. It was also believed her family may have had ties to Twin Cities in Minnesota, possible immigrants. Further testing would prove something surprising: the decedent may have been of Swedish heritage as well.

Up-to-date Carl Koppelman reconstruction

This surprise would help narrow down the search for this woman's identity. In specific, a woman from Stockholm, who's DNA matched the decedent, meaning she may have been a cousin. Researches then built her family tree based on that, which proved convoluted as there were no missing people in her family.

However, the search wouldn't end. Further testing would find the great great grand-uncle of the match, who moved to the USA in 1890s, and- married a Swedish immigrant in 1902. They had 7 children. Eventually, it was limited to one of these children for the victim: Alyce Philen.

Even though she was much older the age estimate, DNA testing was still an option, as Alyce had living nieces. Ultimately, the nieces would match 25% of the genetic information of the decedent, prompting further testing. And soon enough, this month, it was confirmed: 

Alyce Peterson was St. Croix County Jane Doe.

Identified (But Still Open)

The identification was amazing, bringing another poor woman her name back. It was also a bit surprisng; as I mentioned, she was WAY older than what was once thought; nearly 100, yet her estimates put her around middle age or early elderly years. 

Of course though, knowing she was identified only made the case more disturbing. Because, well, as I mentioned, she had died naturally, was thought to be cremated, and had her remains given to her family. 

So... how the HELL did her decapitated skull end up discarded in a trash bin in Wisconsin?!? And did the family ACTUALLY have her remains for all this time?!?

Things like this is what made this case weirdly disturbing to me. We don't have any answers yet, but I hope we do soon. I feel like something happened behind the scenes of her "cremation" that resulted in her skull being found far away.

This case is kind of unsettling to me. What really happened to her body? Was it cremated? Had a hospital or morgue worker done something to it? And why was she decapitated? Where is the rest of her skeleton? SO MANY QUESTIONS I hope can be resolved soon.

It's one thing she died naturally, but what happened to her after the fact only confuses and creeps me out. I really do hope there will be explanations for this, because by her only photo, Alyce just seems like an innocent, normal elderly woman who just passed. She had a family who had her (alleged) ashes for all this time, only to find out this actually just happened to her. Freaky.

Huge thanks for the DNA Doe Project and other genetic genealogists who assisted in giving this woman her name back. Rest in peace, Alyce Peterson, loved by your family.

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING

Unidentified Wiki

DNA Doe Project

Doe Network

The Most Intense Detention Of My Life (Ft. 13-year-old me & My middle-school counselor)

[Excuse me for mild profanity used in the first few paragraphs of this story.]

Left to right: The suspect, Mr. R, me (15), Mrs. P, me (13)

I realize I don't talk often about my personal stories on my blog, probably because my memories are often embarrassing or ridiculous. However, I was re-watching the Sonya from Toastville episode "Breaking Bread" (underrated show btw), and the plot involved Sonya getting detention over a misunderstanding, which reminded me of THIS absurd story, involving a time I got a full-class detention. But before we can talk about that absurd story...

My First Two Detentions

I've gotten detention 3 times...all during 8th grade. I know that sounds like way more detentions than someone like I'd get, but it was because during my 8th grade year I was um-...how do I put this bluntly? A DUMBASS. By this point in my life my inferiority complex and grandiose sense of self-entitlement was starting to become...way more noticeable than I wanted it to be. And it bled through some of my 7th and 9th grade year as well, although 8th grade was MOST memorable...cuz it was my first real year as a teenager.

My first detention was over something surprisingly simple...I forgot to do my homework over the weekend. Yep. That's it. No flashy story, I just forgot to do it. I'm not sure why that warranted a detention, considering I had done worse in the past. Y'know, like... punching a student. Yep. (Story for another day!) But hey, there's a start for everything. Detention was actually very uneventful. Literally just one other student and I caught up with my homework.

The second time I got detention I think was more justifiable, mostly due to what would some call an "inappropriate reaction". One factor of my inferiority complex is always trying to one up or get mad at the other immature kids in my class who would act out and be goofballs. We all know those obnoxious students. Ironically, by doing so, I myself was an immature student. And many of my classmates who I hated I'm actually on good terms now, if you would believe it.

Anyway, one time where this really got problematic was when I was being a little bitch during the middle of math class and I think I wrote "fuck you" on one of the trouble-making student's desks, because they were annoying me. Hmm...I feel there's some deep irony going on here. Teacher got into the debacle, and whadya know, I got detention.

Again. It was very uneventful. I of course look back at that moment and cringe with how bad I handled the situation.

But wait...there's one more detention we have to talk about.

The Fire Cracker Incident

"Wait, what?!"

Hold your horses! Don't worry, I wasn't that stupid. 

Ok, November 27th, 2023. It's 3rd period, Civics. Our teacher at the time, who I'll simply call Mr. R was getting tired of teaching about the Constitution, because a lot of students were distracted on the Nearpod and goofing around. Y'know, classic churlish middle school shenanigans.

Then things escalated when we heard-... a bang. Like, just a crack. A pop.

Kinda like a fire cracker or something. I'm not sure what it fully was, but it was loud and noticeable.

Obviously the entire class stopped when the disruption happened...and Mr. R lost it. I don't remember what he said, but all I know is that by the end, he said that if the person who didn't cause the crack confess, he would give the ENTIRE class detention.

EVERYONE FREAKED OUT.

Now, it was around 1:05 when this happened, some time before the end of the period. If the culprit didn't confess by then, everyone would be screwed. So, understandably, it turned into some sort of Among Us like investigation where everyone had eyes on each other, particularly around the table where it was found.

It was around this time that-...for some reason, 13-year-old me decided to start writing an email to my counselor that I keep referencing (who I'll refer to as Mrs. P). This email is still available, so I'll be taking some excerpts of it since it's actually pretty decent- and hey, who else to provide an accurate description of the incident than a literal victim at the exact time? *ahem*

In 13-Year-Old Me's Words

"It wasn't a broken pencil, it wasn't a book landing on the floor, it was POPPER. You know, those things at birthday parties and fireworks? So immediately the class went silent and Mr. R just went off on us, and then said that if the person who threw it didn't fess up, he'd give the WHOLE class detention. Initially, I thought he was joking since he's said this stuff before, but no, he legitimately was saying by the end of class if the person wasn't being a chicken (hey, his words not mine), we'd be in his class at 2:20 - 3:00. I was immediately horrified realized he was being for reals, and immediately panicked that someone's churlish out of pocket stupidity would lead to not only my 3rd detention but to everyone's else's after school plans being ruined. I bet this was a multitude of people's first detentions as well.

After that, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE turned on each other. There was yelling and frustrating [sic] shouting, people randomly pointing figures at each other. I was worried that this wouldn't even be in the school's conduct- I mean, you can't give 30 KIDS punishment for ONE KIDS actions. I actively recorded some of the drama in case the detention did get served. Of course, I didn't want Mr. R fired, but I did feel this was a power imbalance.

As the class silenced down, Mr. R redirected us to the next lesson, and I already completed most of it, so I uh, continued to panic as the clock approached 1:15. So...I wrote this ahead of time. Yeah, I haven't already been served detention yet, but I feel this story is so unnecessarily bizarre that I just have to write it down. Right now, there are 4 minutes of class, and he hasn't fully confirmed if we all have detention. Oh- it's 3 now. I better finish my assignments before I update you. If it's a false alarm, I'll still send it because it's kinda...kinda...honestly, I don't know. Grammarly says I sound concerned, assertive, and confident. :shrug: I'll just put a clarification at the beginning."

You know, I actually still write a lot like me from 2 years ago. Some things never change.

But what didn't change is the punishment. I would soon update the email before sending it. Take it again, 13-year-old me.

"1:20 - NOPE WE'RE ALL SCREWED. WE'RE ACTUALLY SCREWED. NO ONE CONFESSED. NO ONE.

Not all hope is lost though. We still have some evidence of who may done it, and if the person confesses during detention, we'll be let out EARLY. Unfortunately, it looks like that's not going to happen, so...uh...I'll reply just in case it does happen. 

Anyway, gonna try and relax in math before suffering my fate. To be honest I was already sad and angry this morning because my terrible deadline skills meant I couldn't finish an assignment in time. But at least I would just get a lowered grade from that. NOT 40 MINUTES OF MY LIFE DOWN THE DRAIN."

Aw, rest in peace 13-year-old me. I do remember failing to finish that Health assignment...I'm still upset about that.

Anyway, one boring-math period later, and because the idiot who started this mess in the first place was still being cowardly, EVERYONE had to go to Mr. R's class. Let's see what I had to think about it.

The Erratic Email

"2:38 - Update...

HE WASN'T JOKING. I REPEAT: HE WAS NOT JOKING. I am actually in his classroom now when I could be home enjoying myself. (I mean, I'd actually be in the lobby, more on that later) I hope that person's happy. I hope they go home and feel ashamed of themselves. I know that sounds kinda cruel, but could you really feel happy for yourself in a situation like this?

This detention will probably be talked about for the rest of the week, as it's already been talked about a million times in the hallways alone. In fact, I hope this incident continues to be talked about because I just want JUSTICE and PUNISHMENT on whoever did this even though they've already been punished with everyone else, I think they deserve DOUBLE detention because think of it- not only did they cause a disruption in the class, their cowardness caused a whole class of children to basically be held hostage (again Mr. R's words), which probably caused their schedules to be disrupted."

Pfttt, 13-year-old me has the same overdramatic crash-out attitude as current me has. Again, some things never really change.

One good thing that never changed about me was looking at the situation from multiple angles, as well (although this will be more noticeable later):

"You know, Mr. R is being unnecessarily cruel, and I've probably written him to be the villain of this situation, but on some level, I understand. I just wish it didn't have to come to this. He recently said that we should tell our parents what happened, and that birthed an ethical dilemma: should I tell either one of my parents that Mr. R gave the entire class detention over a kid throwing a popper? What if they think it's my fault? What if they try and deal it up with the school? I REALLY don't want to start much more drama over this than I need to, but at the same time, as I said, I NEED JUSTICE. My day was already starting off bad and in a flash, I mean, bang, it nearly got ruined. I will make the most out of the rest of the day I have, and try to let this incident get past me."

Damn me, really about to have an existential crisis over a school detention. 13-year-old me may have been churlish but I did have good moments like this, and I was able to sympathize with Mr. R, even if I was being unfairly punished. Anyway, I then go on a bit of a tangent to my counselor:

"Tbh I don't even know why I sent this situation to you. What are you going to do, call the police? I guess what you can do is (assuming you read this) is tell me how YOU thought of the situation and my response. Was I overly dramatic or immature? Did I leave out details that might change the situation? Tell me anything."

Once again, even though 13-year-old me had frequent stupid moments, I'm glad I was able to ask for improvement strategies and had self-awareness. Making progress, me. Like always. Oh yeah, remember how earlier I said something about being in "the lobby"? Well...

"Wait! One last thing...so um, I kinda managed to actually SAVE myself from my mom's wrath because I fibbed. Ok ok calm down- what happened was that last time, I realized I only finished half of my assignment, and it was late by FOUR DAYS. I finished it and submitted it, but worried that I'd get a detention for it the next day. So I came up with a clever evil plan...I simply told my dad this morning that I'd "have an extra school project after school, at 3 pm". That way, if I got a detention, Dad would think I was just doing a project. Is it malicious? Yes. But is it smart? Yes. And I actually didn't get a detention for that, so I thought I'd simply have 40 minutes of freedom in the lobby...how painfully ironic. Anyways, I got some homework to do now..."

Hahaha, maybe I don't give 13-year-old me enough credit.

But anyway, the full-class detention arc ended surprisingly swiftly...

"WE ESCAPED!!! MR R LET US OUT AT 2:43 AND NOT 3!!!!!

I KNOW ITS ONLY 20 MINUTES BUT STILL! VICTORY I TELL YOU, VICTORY!

The mystery of who threw the cracker however remains unsolved. But I know for a fact I'll get justice one day..." 

(Spoiler alert: I did NOT get justice one day.)

The Classroom Conspiracy (ft. Mrs. P)

So, yeah, that's the annoying story of how the infamously hated "one of you did it so I'm going to punish all of you" strategy gave everyone a detention. However, we're not done yet, as there was an epilogue with my counselor eventually responding to my rather unhinged email...

"Hi [A.B]

Wow, what a story! As you know, you're an excellent writer and I really felt like I was there. I'm glad you ended up getting out early, but I understand how frustrating it is to be kept after school for something you didn't do.

Do you have any suspects in mind? I don't know who's in your Civics class, but there have to be 'the usual suspects.' Do you know if Mr. R involved the principal?

I can't say it's good to lie to your parents, but 'little white lies' are necessary sometimes in life. Don't beat yourself up over it.

Thanks for sending me such a well-written email about the situation. Maybe we can try to find a few minutes to talk more about it tomorrow.

Hang in there. You're a wonderful young man & a wonderful student!! Don't ever forget that!

-Ms. P"

Can I just mention something I love about Mrs. P is that even when I'm clearly at my lowest (or most obnoxious), she still manages to show support and empathy for me? School guidance counselors for the win!

So then I of course replied with this long explanation of my intense theories about-...a very trivial incident, when I think of it in the long run. It's VERY intense, strap right in! (I will use M and J for suspects btw, and any time I say something new, I put it in brackets]

"Thanks Ms. P!

Here's the As to your Qs (stole from Odd1sOut):

"Do you have any suspects in mind?"

Yes, there is some suspects, mainly the clowny boys who always get yelled at our have to leave. [Look at that.]

I'll try not too look like I'm gossiping when I say the two main suspects named were M and J. Both were around the table where the popper wrapper was left (which was STILL there when I went to detention), but honestly I (PERSONALLY) think  M is more suspicious because he managed to describe most of the incident in oddly accurate detail. He also wore red today- I'm kidding. [Why is there an Among Us reference? ...oh wait.]

But I DO know M is acting kinda weird. Even if he didn't do it, SURELY he witnessed what happened. In fact- that's another thing- there were apparently no witnesses. How? There were like 6 people surrounding the tables and NO ONE didn't snitch? Were they too scared to tell on them? Or were they a friend of who did it? 

It's like a murder mystery. Huh...maybe I could write a horror story based on this where a group of adults will all go to jail after someone gets murd-...put to indefinite sleep but everyone's there. (I know that wouldn't happen in real life, but could a man create a wretched being that murders his brother, cousin, and mom?) [I'm referencing Frankenstein]"

You know, I'm actually kinda invested in this story now...even though I experienced it. I mean, there's conspiracy, there's theory, there's suspects, there's ethical dilemmas- THERE'S EVERYTHING!! Anyway, I adressed her question involving Mr. R and the principal:

"Yes, I think Mr. R is related to the principal. I quite literally saw the principal enter the room as everyone was complaining and stuff, whilst Mr. R stood by, and the principal moved on. So I guess the principal agreed for this? Or just didn't care? Woah woah I'm jumping for conclusions. I don't know man."

Now that I think of it, maybe my writing style is that I just write like I'm talking in real life. No one says "Woah, woah," when writing an email they'll eventually proofread. Anyway, we get this surprising moment of maturity, which references an act of immaturity from 7th grade (which literally begins with "Now that I think of it..."):

"Now that I think of it, the more I think of the situation the less I'm mad at Mr. R. I feel most people forget teachers are people to. And just put yourself in his shoes. You're trapped for 9 months with a group of rowdy obnoxious loud teenagers who constantly misbehave and annoy others. And you still have...uh...7 months to go. 

Admitely, I do have my own opinions on my teachers. For example, I don't like how strict [the math teacher] is to our class. I've heard the statement "Ok, I am very disappointed with you" 15 times. That's not an exaggeration, it's probably 15 by now. 

BUT, after the whole uh...[7th grade math teacher] fiasco where I was like "uGH yoUr faILng uR stOodEnts I wUz sO smOrt nO oNe pAssed" SHUT UP. SHUT UP 12 YEAR OLD ME. 

You're- you're not smart. I mean, you're smart academically...but you still gotta learn stuff mentally.  [Well Jesus Christ this got way too real!] 

Anyway, as I said, I learned not to mess around and gossip around teachers and kinda keep my opinions UNLESS I'm actually concerned.

Oh. There were only two questions. Uh....now what? I guess I just gotta say that the last statement you said reminds me "Don't ever forget that!" is something my brain tends to forget.  Like, I'm complimented by both my friends and my teachers like 4 times a week, and yet I'm still obsessing over the thing I did 2 months ago. It's a struggle, yes, but I will try and get past myself to stop overthinking and move on and grow. [Seriously, this is getting too real...]

Perhaps maybe I have such low confidence in my school performance is because GRAMMARLY IS  POINTING OUT...how many mistakes? Wha- NINETEEN?! Oh- it's twenty three now. -_- (Note to self: delete Grammarly soon)

Anyways, see you hopefully tomorrow! I can't wait for our next meeting honestly, we haven't had one in A MONTH.

- A.A"

Of course though, because I'm 13, I still had to end the note on a somewhat immature note. You see for some reason I was sensitive to my counselor misspelling my name in my emails, so I got a bit heated at her in the end with an overdramatic comment.

"This is just to ironically point out how EVERYONE SPELLS MY NAME [A.B.] LIKE MY NAME IS SPELLED [A.A.A.] DO YOU THINK [A.B.] IS HOW I WRITE MY NAME??!"

IS IT ME OR DO I HAVE THIS WEIRD OBSESSION WITH SCREAMING IN MY WRITING??!?!

Also...chill, bro. It's a nickname. 

Before my counselor sent one final email in that chain, I somewhat redeemed myself with this extra email:

"EXTRA!! EXTRA!! [Seriously, obsession with screaming.]

I also initially had a theory that maybe the cracker was released accidentally. And whilst it may have...the real question we need to solve is...why did a student have a fire popper in the first place?

'Yuh oh! We just had a birthday party in the middle of Science class, and I have an extra popper! I have no time to put in my locker. I guess I'll just bring it with me- [BANG!] ...oop.'"

You're getting there, 13-year-old me. My counselor sent me one last email:

"[A.A.]!!!  (Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry.  I never even thought about how [A.A.] would be spelled.  It makes all the sense in the world that [A.A.] NOT [A.B.] would be the nickname/shortened form of [A.A.A.].  Hopefully I won't forget this. 

Seriously, look, SHE'S apologizing and being empathetic after stupid 13-year-old me sent the most back-handed explanation ever. If that doesn't tell you what type of person she is, I don't know what that is. She is one of a kind. Which, by the way...thanks, for considering that, Mrs. P. I don't think I ever said thanks for that.

Your email made me laugh out loud (lol) in several places and you made a lot of really good points.  I can't believe that no one has "given up" the culprit yet.  It will happen soon enough if it hasn't already.  Teenagers aren't very good at keeping things like that quiet.

I know, I can't believe we haven't met in an entire month!!  We could always schedule time during one of your exploratories or maybe SEL/WIN if there's anything you'd like to touch base about.  Just let me know.  Keep on being the wonderful student & person you are!!  See you tomorrow :)" 

*sniff* She is amazing and more people should be like her.

Ending (of Sorts)

So, as I told you earlier, we sadly never did figure out which idiot started this whole mess in the first place. And we probably never will...or will we? Hmm...I know you're out there somewhere...FESS...UP. I'm kidding, I'm totally not petty over stuff like that!...totally...

Thankfully, I have never gotten a detention since. And I hope I don't again later on...but who knows.

I feel like there's a lot to take away from this rather funny in hindsight story:

First of all, teenagers are immature. Even if they think they aren't immature. I'm a victim of the Dunning-Krueger effect.

Secondly, teachers are human to, so if they seem crabby, try and sympathize with them.

Thirdly, guidance counselors are amazing and I absolutely would be a much worse person without people like them.

Fourthly, I'm still the same old A.A. as I've always been. Just changing, slowly, for the better.

Lastly, and this is the most important take-away you should have...

DON'T. BRING. A FIRE CRACKER. TO CLASS.

Thanks for reading!

- ninesevenpotatoes, 2025

ART FIGHT - 2025 Review

It's red paint. Mostly.

Hola, mis amigos! This July was my first ever year in Art Fight, which is an annual art competition. Now, if your unfamiliar with this, I know by the name "Art Fight" you might imagine someone dressed like the suit I'm in and battling each other with paint brushes and sharp pencils until one of us is covered in "red paint" and can't move.

...but it's actually a lot less extreme than that. (And legal.)

Basically, Art Fight divides the users into two teams with their own themes. This year the themes were Fossils and Crystals, and I was on team Fossils. Each user has to make characters that others can attack.

When I say "attack", I don't mean literally fighting, I mean you just draw the character in your style, a.k.a. an art trade. By doing so, you earn points for your team.

You can also do "revenge" attacks, where you attack someone's character after they attacked you, and "friendly-fire", where you attack someone on your own team and receive 75% of points.

Obviously, the team with the most amount of points by the end of the match wins; in specific, a digital trophy and bragging rights. As for the team that "loses"...they don't really lose. They still have the joy of being able to share and make attacks for a month for free, and see everyone's amazing art.

So, the ultimate goal of Art Fight is not even to "win". It's not that competitive. It's to share your creative skills, improve your art, and have fun in general. In a way, everyone wins. And oh boy, I sure did!

I would like to make this blog post as a review of a majority of the attacks I made and all of the attacks I received (known as defenses). Let's go!

MY ATTACKS

Warning: Some images have sensitive content relating to extreme gore, body horror, and drug abuse. Also, I use minor profanity near the end.

P.S. If I don't clarify who is who and there's two characters on screen, read it left to right. Also, any character on screen that I don't credit is a character I drew.

I highly suggest you look at the original creators art and characters!

Well then...*deep inhale*

Teen Mom ENDANGERS Her Daughter's Life Over SMURFS

WARNING: This post contains possibly triggering content relating to child abuse and neglect. Viewer discretion advised!

I can't believe I even have to warn people on a story as ridiculously insane as this one.

Just by reading that title, you probably went...

"What the fuck?!"

Yep. This actually happened. About 2 weeks ago, it seems. And it's as preposterous as it is, it's also disturbing, and shines a serious reminder that not all people deserve to be parents.

Mugshot of Tipora Merriex, 18

Yeah. She's eighteen. Even though she looks around 30. This is the mom in question responsible for such a stupid incident. And here's exactly how it happened. Our story takes place in-...oh. Florida. I see.

Tipora took her 2-year-old daughter and younger siblings to watch the recently released Smurfs movie. Now, immediately, I would like to point out: I haven't watched Smurfs (and I probably never will), but reviews for it seem mainly mixed and negative. However, reception on the movie won't even matter that much, I'd just like to bring that up so you can consider what the mom nearly killed her daughter over.

Anyway, what happened was that the 2-year-old girl (who appears unnamed) kept crying. Now, if your child was crying, it is your duty as a mother to figure out why they're crying, comfort them, and make them feel better. But apparently, the crying was so annoying to Tipora, she-...well...

...she allegedly went back to her car and left her daughter in it! I'm not joking! On that own that tells me a lot on how the mom doesn't care about actually comforting her daughter, just pushing her to the side. But further context of the story just makes it worse!

You see, at the time, there was a heat advisory, and police reported that it was 94 degrees with a 107 degree heat index! That's hot! And whenever it's really hot outside, it's very dangerous to keep a child in a car for a long period of time. The inside of a car heats up even more, which can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke in children, sometimes fatal. You've probably seen it a lot on the news. And low and behold, that's what happened.

Tipora said she went to check on her child multiple times, and soon made her younger siblings do it as well. However, once the movie was over, she found out she accidentally locked herself out of the car. WOW. The child was stuck in the car for at least half an hour.

Police arrived and broke the car window to retrieve the girl. Her skin was flushed and sweaty, along with obvious crying, indicating heat exhaustion. Her mom just watched by, nonchalant, as if her daughter wasn't in danger. She was taken to a medical facility, and thankfully, she survived.

Of course though, the dumbass mom got herself an arrest warrant for basically child neglect. Her husband (who didn't attend the movie) was also found, and he himself admitted his wife had a history of irrational management of their daughter's tantrums, along with patience problems and stress. Yeah, I bet every parent does, but that is NO EXCUSE to put your child in a hot car! Merriex has been placed on $50,000 for her charges.

Thoughts

The moment I read the headline (which one of my friends sent me), I really couldn't believe it. I mean, each word just made it worse and worse...

• "Florida"
• "teen mom"
• "endangers"
• "crying 2-year old"
• "Smurfs"

I really can't get over how RIDICLOUSLY HIDEOUS it is to put your child in harm's way just so you can watch a movie in peace. And you did this over SMURFS?! Absolutely unacceptable. I also hope custody of her child was removed from her, because if this is what she does over a movie, I'm scared to know what else she would do just so her child would stop crying.

Imagine being the daughter, and in a few years from now you know you could've DIED because your biological mother couldn't care enough for you. That would be heart-breaking. I hope the daughter ends up living with better relatives, who actually care about her.

This story should also serve as a sign some people aren't mature enough to be parents. If you're leaving your child in a hot car at the age of 18, you're a lost cause. It's almost like we shouldn't let immature teenagers in responsibility of young child, because they themselves are children.

I'm just so angered by this, and again, I hope that excuse of a "mother" never sees her child again after this. Be grateful for the good mothers out there. And if you ever see or suspect child neglect or abuse, don't just ignore it. Take action!

(By the way, 3 blog posts in a row? I'm on a roll!)

- ninesevenpotatoes, 2025

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING

Perezhilton

TheBlaze

American Faith

TooFab

Law and Crime

Facebook

Fairfax County John Doe (1972): Identified as Carl Bryant

WARNING: This case involves details of child abuse and murder. Viewer discretion advised!

Oh my god. Another Doe identified in 2025. I get so delighted whenever I find Does reunited with their names. We've had many these last few years and this year especially, Pamela Walton (Julie Doe), Tanya Jackson (Peaches), even Doris Girtz (The Girl with Turquoise Jewelry), and I hope there will be even more.

Just yesterday, another Doe, a young boy, got his name back after 53 years of mystery. That boy would be Carl Matthew Bryant, aged 4.

There exists only one reconstruction of this young soul, a rather memorable and unfortunate post-mortem derivative by the NCMEC.

Carl Matthew Bryant (May 26, 1968 - June 13, 1972)

Alongside getting his identification back, we also found out details of his life leading up to his murder, which we'll get into now.

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Carl was living with his mother, Vera Bryant, and six-month year old brother, James Bryant. Vera recently got a boyfriend, James Hedgepath. (To prevent confusion between his brother and the mom's boyfriend, I'm going to use "Jamie" for his brother.)

According to the Unidentified Wiki, James Hedgepath "had a violent criminal history and was previously convicted of murder," which automatically makes him the prime suspect in what happened next.

On June 13th, 1972, Vera and James drove to Middlesex County, Virginia to visit James' family, with the boys. However, when they arrived, the boys weren't there. When they returned to Pennsylvania, Vera told her relatives they left the boys in custody of the Hedgepath family.

Carl and James were never seen by the Bryant family ever again.

Later the same day, in Lorton, Virginia, a horrible sight was found in the river. It was the body of a young African American boy, about 3 to 6. He had been beaten to death, with extensive blunt force trauma injuries on his head. He also was nude, and none of his clothes have been recovered.

The victim, who couldn't be identified, would be dubbed Fairfax County John Doe.

The connection between the decedent and Carl wasn't made for decades, until this year. The NCMEC and Innovative Forensic Investigations worked on the case and located a maternal aunt of the victim. The woman said that her sister, Vera Bryant, who died in 1980, had two sons, Carl and Jamie, who she last saw in 1972.

Investigators quickly realized the similarities between Carl and FCJD, and further investigation into the DNA connection between the decedent and Vera Bryant was made in 2023. In April 2025, it was confirmed the child was the son of Vera Bryant, and ultimately, Carl Bryant himself.

After 53 years, he finally had a name.

Despite the amazing identification, there's sadly still some mystery that needs to be solved. Vera Bryant and James Hedgepath are currently deceased, and they are obviously the prime suspects in Carl's murder- and the disappearance of his brother, Jamie. His remains haven't been located yet, and as of writing, no unidentified boy has been linked to possibly being Jamie.

Map showing possible path Vera and James took, where Jamie's body may have been left

I mentioned earlier James was "previously convicted of murder", which astonishes me- what was it for, and how did he get out only to possibly harm more people? How was Vera Bryant involved in the murder? These are questions I hope can be somewhat resolved one day.

For now though, I am so tremendously glad genetic genealogy has come in clutch once again and reunited a young, poor boy who didn't have a chance in life with the name he so rightfully deserves. Calling Vera and James his "parents" is an excuse. They just murdered and discarded him like he was an inconvenience. 

Rest in peace, Carl Matthew Bryant (and presumably, Jamie Bryant).

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING

NCMEC Blog

Unidentified Wiki

- ninesevenpotatoes, 2025

Creativity & Crimes: The Soham Murders

"Two Little Beckhams"
Left to right: Maxine Carr, Ian Huntley, Holly Wells, Jessica Chapman

WARNING: This post has sensitive details regarding child murder and sexual abuse. Viewer discretion advised!

"Creativity & Crimes" is a series I'm making where I draw my interpretations of real victims, murderers, and everyone in between. I go on a story on the case, how I drew them, and my opinion overall.

These stories will be less in-depth then my usual true crime blog posts, so I may save future blog posts to discuss more in-depth details on the crime. In this case, I drew the culprits and victims of the Soham murders.

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of this infamous and heart-wrenching crime, which takes place in a village in Cambridgeshire.

On that fateful day in 2002, 10-year-old best friends Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman took a picture of themselves wearing iconic, red matching Manchester United shirts. This image would be taken a mere hours before their murder, and live in infamy of two innocent lives taken. It'll stay in your mind forever.

Holly Marie Wells and Jessica Aimee Chapman. (1991 - 2002)

It was heartbreaking to try and draw these two innocent girls. There were a few things distinct about the photos I wanted to capture: Holly's toothy grin, her beautiful blonde hair, Jessica's hair tuff above her eyes, and Jessica's slightly bigger clothing, which I'll explain in a second. I think I did a good job, with the wavy lines and similar colors. I simplified their jewelry however. Also, Jessica has a bit more of a tan complexion compared to Holly.

My first sketch. Holly's hair looked less smooth.

Let's resume. For further context, Jessica visited Holly's house that day after coming back from a vacation. The two decided to get into matching shirts. Jessica wore Oliver's (Holly's brother) shirt, which is why it looks a bit big on her. A few hours after this image was taken, at about 6, Holly and Jessica decided to leave their house to buy sweets nearby.

Left: Map of Soham. Right: CTV footage of the girls.

They passed by Soham Village College to a Sports Center, and were caught on CTV footage. One man with his wife witnessed the two matching girls walking and mentioned to his wife there were "two little Beckhams".

As they begin to walk home, they were lured into the home of a caretaker, 27-year-old Ian Huntley. For reasons that are sadly still unclear to this day, that home would be the final time those girls would be alive.

Ian Kevin Huntley. He has a really punchable face.

This is Ian Huntley. But I would argue it's a cold, soulless monster. Huntley initially seemed innocuous, but investigation after he was caught (referred to as a Bichard inquiry), revealed he was actually a sexual predator who had his charges completely subdued when he began working in a school. Absolutely horrific. [Just to let you know, it's unconfirmed if Huntley had tried to violate his last victims.]

It wasn't that hard replicating him, and I did give him a smug grin I feel he would have and more curly back hair, even though he had a short hair cut. I think it was mostly because I depicted him at an angle.

Later two drawings, showing things becoming more refined.

After luring the best friends into his house, Huntley murdered both girls before covering up his crime. He dumped their bodies a few miles away in a ditch, and made a poor attempt to burn them. He also took their clothing and dumped it in a trash can in Soham Village, where he worked at. Absolutely gut-wrenching.

Burnt clothes upon discovery

The girls were later reported missing the same day they were murdered, and it quickly became a high-profile case in Soham. Huntley quickly became a suspect, and this is where we introduce his girlfriend at the time- Maxine Carr, who was the girls' primary teacher at school.

Maxine Ann Carr. She also has a punchable face.

Maxine quickly became hated for giving a false alibi for where she claimed she was with Huntley at the time the girls went missing, when in fact she wasn't. Other clips of her went infamous such as her referring to Holly in the past tense. Creepy. The media didn't do her much justice either, with continuous badgering and demonization fueling the fire.

Maxine was actually a later addition to this drawing once I realized she was significant in this crime. I initially worried I'd have trouble replicating her hair, but I think I made it pretty decent. I also wanted to give her a face I thought fitted her: not entirely evil or smug, like Huntley, but not entirely innocent, like the girls. More like an unconfident, suspect woman. Most people hate her, which I understand, but there was some information on her being controlled by Huntley at the same time. I don't think she's a villain, but not a victim either. I'll probably get more into it when I make a full blog post.

Sketch of Maxine Carr

Anyway, for 13 grueling days the investigation continued, until the burnt remains of the girls' clothing was found, alarming the public, and resulting in the arrests of both Huntley and Carr under suspicion of murder. And soon enough, on August 17th, the naked, burnt, badly decomposed bodies of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were found in a ditch. A cause of death couldn't be determined, but it's suspected to be asphyxia.

Crime scene

The public was outraged and heartbroken, resulting in many memorials and dedications to the stolen lives. Over a year later, on December 17th, 2003, Ian Huntley was sent to life in prison for his heinous crimes. 

Huntley has refused to go in-depth on the true events of that day. He eventually admitted to both girls dying in his house, but he had a story for it. A story SO ridiculous, cartoonishly stupid, and pointless that I'm not going to waste my time explaining it. Maybe wait until I make the full post. He also made a capology. No, not an apology, a CAP apology...a capology. It's absolute BS and I don't want to talk about this inhumane danger anymore. Like what happens to most child predators and murderers, he has since been attacked multiple times in prison. GOOD.

As for Maxine Carr, she was sentenced to at least 3 years of prison for perverting justice, but was released early. She has since been given anonymity and has allegedly re-married and had a child. Many people are mad at this and don't believe she deserves this treatment. She's a very controversial figure in this case.

The Wells and Chapman family have since dealt with their grief of the horrifying murders of their innocent girls, and appear to be doing better. Sharon and Leslie Chapman (Jessica's parents) have remained mostly out of the media, while Kevin and Nicola Wells have since made a few more appearances discussing how they've learned to handle life without Holly.

Left to right: Leslie Chapman, Sharon Chapman, Kevin Wells, Nicola Wells

Kevin and Nicola Wells

I highly suggest reading Kevin's book "Goodbye, Dearest Holly", which is a dedication to his daughter and discusses the reactions he had handling the horrifying case.

Rest in peace, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. Two Soham roses.

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING

Wikipedia

Goodbye Dearest Holly

Murderpedia