On November 29th, Parke County officials confirmed that the body found in a wooded area on September 17th in south-central Parke County is indeed that of the missing Betty Jean Capps of Mecca. DNA test results received on Monday positively identified the remains as those of Capps, aged 68, as stated in a news release by Parke County Sheriff Jason Frazier.
Investigators believe that Capps left her residence late in the evening on June 29th following a severe storm that caused widespread power outages in the area. It is suspected that she may have become disoriented or lost due to the numerous trees and power lines blocking roads.
Investigations suggest that Capps drove down a property access lane and misjudged it, resulting in her vehicle plummeting into a steep-sided ravine, concealed from view. It is believed that she exited the vehicle but tragically fell to the bottom of the ravine due to its steepness, resulting in her untimely death.
The death investigation found no evidence of foul play, and it is believed that no other individuals were involved. Multiple agencies, including Indiana Conservation Officers, Indiana State Police, Parke County Coroner’s Office, local fire departments, and the University of Indianapolis anthropology department, as well as private citizens, assisted the Parke County Sheriff’s Department in this case.
