Woman Who Disappeared from Bowling Alley Parking Lot in 1989 Identified by Skeletal Remains Near Creek

Skeletal remains uncovered near a creek in Oklahoma in 1990 have finally been identified over three decades later. The remains have been confirmed as those of Joann Marie Rozelle, who disappeared at the age of 29 in June 1989.

Rozelle was last seen in the parking lot of Meridian Lanes, a bowling alley in Oklahoma City.

In January 1990, a skull was found "near a creek bank between Geary and El Reno, two small rural communities along the I-40 corridor west of Oklahoma City," according to Othram, a forensic laboratory specializing in human identification from degraded samples. A subsequent search by the Canadian County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) recovered additional skeletal remains. Initial assessments suggested they belonged to a White woman aged 18 to 35, who had likely been deceased for months or years.

At the time, investigators also discovered clothing and personal items, including tan Chaus pants, a white collared shirt, a baseball-style cap, and a womans ring. Due to the remains advanced decomposition and the limited forensic technology available, the case went cold.

The breakthrough came in 2023 when the CCSO and the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner partnered with Othram. Scientists were able to extract DNA from the degraded evidence and create a complete genetic profile of the woman. Using forensic genetic genealogy, investigators developed leads that eventually identified potential relatives, whose DNA confirmed the womans identity as Joann Marie Rozelle.

Rozelles disappearance occurred on June 14, 1989, and she was legally declared dead by her son in 2003. This marks only the second case in Oklahoma where an individual has been publicly identified using Othrams DNA technology.

Authorities urge anyone with information about Rozelle to contact the Oklahoma City Police Department at (405) 297-1197.

Author: Aiden Foster