JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — “Eventually the image will come in front of the right set of eyes and that person will identify them,” Carl Koppelman said.
He is the artist behind these facial reconstructions. He’s also amateur sleuth, interested with solving cases of unidentified victims.
From his California home, he came across the 2006 story of “Lavender Doe.” Named for the color sweater she was found wearing, the victim was badly burned.
Through police and other reports, Koppleman gleaned enough information to produce a digital sketch. His work spread across social media – hoping to connect families with their loved ones.
In this case – it worked.
First Coast News spoke with Dana Lynn Dodd’s family in Jacksonville – they said until an additional investigation into Dana Lynn’s case is complete, they do not wish to comment.
A friend of Dodd’s from Terry Parker High School sent us photos from around 2003. First Coast News is only identifying the friend as “Bobbi” as she wants to respect the family’s privacy. Added to the pictures, she sent us this statement:
"Dana was a great person with a kind heart. I'm very grateful to have had her as my best friend."
Koppelman said it is completing a case, knowing it makes a difference, that inspires his work.
“There’s a sense of empathy when I can have part in creating that resolution, I’m delighted to do so,” he said.
While the mystery of Dana Lynn Dodd may be solved – it’s only the beginning for other unidentified victims across the country. He is working with the DNA Doe Project, providing facial reconstructions with as much detail as possible.
“We have 10 or 15 cases that we’re working on in various stages of the process,” Koppelman said.
Dodd’s remains are still in East Texas – her friends and family in Jacksonville are working on a fundraiser to bring her home.