Thanks to DNA and genealogical analysis, Amanda Lynn Schumann Deza was identified as the woman found dead in a refrigerator in California 27 years ago.
The remains of Schumann Deza, nicknamed “The Refrigerator Lady,” were discovered in March 1995 inside a refrigerator-wrapped sleeping bag in an irrigation canal in Whiskey Slough in the Holt community of San Joaquin County; specifically, in a marina and boat storage.
The corpse of the 30-year-old woman was wearing stockings, mountaineering boots and jewelry. Authorities believe Schumann Deza died of blunt force trauma to the head at least six months before her body was found.
Authorities are still searching for the person who kidnapped and murdered Deza.
Schumann Deza, a mother of three, had no identification with her when she disappeared and a missing person report was never filed.
The San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office and the sheriff’s office worked with Othram, a Texas-based company specializing in forensic genealogy.
The company helped create a DNA profile of Amanda Lynn Schumann Deza, information that helped generate investigative leads. Part of those clues managed to connect the victim with the DNA of her mother and sister.
If you have information that may help clarify Deza’s death, you may contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 468-5087 or by email at coldcase@sjgov.org.