203. Looks Like Sorrento Jane Doe Is Still Trying To Find Her Way Home

Just The Tip-Sters: True Crime Podcast

December 7, 1991 was the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor – but while America was busy commemorating that momentous date in history, another day that should live in infamy was unfolding in the woods of the town of Sorrento in Lake County, Florida. It was there that a hiker discovered the brutally beaten body of a woman who has become known as the “Sorrento Jane Doe,” who had been tortured, raped, beaten and strangled to death. Many – many – lucky breaks eventually helped law enforcement find and convict the serial rapist responsible for the crime – including a DNA hit at a time when DNA technology was at its infancy and there were only 10,000 DNA samples in Florida’s criminal DNA database. By an incredible stroke of luck, Joseph Rolle’s DNA was in that database, and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Strangely, that life sentence was not for the murder of Sorrento Jane Doe. Rather, Rolle was convicted solely on the charge of sexual battery. He has denied murdering the victim and to this day denies knowing her identity. So Sorrento Jane Doe remains anonymous – unknown – and buried in an obscure cemetery in the Ocala National Forest, waiting for someone to identify her. The good news? Forensic artist Carl Koppelman – whose almost psychic reconstructions of unidentified murder victims have helped solve so many John and Jane Doe mysteries – recreated a picture of Sorrento Jane Doe that should make it possible for anyone who knew her to identify her. The sad news? As of mid 2021 – nearly 30 years after her death – no one has claimed her. This despite the fact that her autopsy revealed she likely had at least one child – and possibly two. In this episode, Melissa relates not only the story of this awful murder, but implores Tip-Sters everywhere to search their memories and their hearts – Do you recognize her? Do you know anyone who lived in, or was visiting, Lake County Florida in December 1991 who might recognize her? Put on your thinking caps and listen in.