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The mystery surrounding a skull discovered behind a wall in an Illinois home decades ago has been solved. Officials announced that the remains belong to Esther Granger, a 17-year-old girl from Merrillville, Indiana, who died in 1866 due to complications during childbirth.

The skull was unearthed in November 1978 by property owner James Skinner while renovating his home in Batavia, Illinois. Skinner discovered the skull and several other items behind a baseboard, prompting him to notify local authorities. Despite intense investigation efforts and the involvement of anthropology experts from Northern Illinois University, the identity remained elusive for over forty years.

A breakthrough occurred in 2021 when the Kane County Coroner's Cold Case Team connected with Othram Laboratories, a Texas-based lab specializing in forensic genetic genealogy. Othram developed a DNA profile from the old remains, and through a crowdfunded campaign that raised $7,500, they managed to narrow down the profile to one likely belonging to Granger. Confirmation came when the DNA from a biological relative, identified as Wayne Svilar, matched. Svilar was subsequently confirmed as Granger’s second great-grandson on June 17, 2024.

According to the Kane County Coroner's Office, Esther Ann Granger was born on October 26, 1848, one of six children. Despite the identification, questions linger about how her remains ended up in Batavia, considering she was initially buried in Lake County, Indiana. Officials speculate grave robbing may have been involved, a common practice in the 19th century where corpses were taken for medical research purposes.

The discovery and identification mark the oldest case solved by Othram using their forensic genetic genealogy technology, making it a significant milestone. Kane County Coroner Rob Russell expressed his relief and satisfaction at finally being able to return Granger's identity, emphasizing the impact of modern DNA technology and dedicated investigation in solving this historical mystery.

Granger was laid to rest in a private ceremony at West Batavia Cemetery attended by Svilar, and representatives from the coroner's office and Batavia Police Department. This solemn event marked the end of a long journey to give Esther Ann Granger her name back, closing a chapter that started all the way back in 1978.