GREGG COUNTY, Texas — The DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit organization that works with law enforcement to identify victims, says they have made an identification in the case of Lavender Doe.
Lavender Doe's charred body was found on October 29, 2006, just north of Kilgore, in a heavily wooded area off of Frtiz Swanson Road.
At the time of her death, officials believed Lavender Doe was in her late-teens or early 20s. They came to the conclusion she had reddish blonde or light brown hair and stood about 5'2", weighing approximately 100-120 pounds. She was wearing blue jeans and a violet/maroon sweater.
In August 2018, Joseph Wayne Burnette, 41, of Longview, confessed to Lavender Doe's murder after he was arrested in connection with the death of Felisha Pearson, to which he also admitted he was responsible.
Burnette is being held in the Gregg County Jail on $1,500,000 bond.
The Gregg County Sheriff's Office says they have notified the woman's family of her identity. However, the GCSO will not release the name so they don't hinder the investigation. They did confirm the victim is not local.
“Thanks to the help of the DNA DOE project and their supporters, we were finally able to get 'Lavender Doe' identified,” Lt. Eddie Hope said, who's been working the case since 2006.
So far, no information has been brought forth that conflicts with Burnette's confession, according to the GCSO.
Burnette is due back in court on Wednesday, February 6.
