Nearly three decades after a teenager’s body was found in a shallow grave behind a vacant house in southwest Atlanta, officials have finally identified her as 15-year-old Kiyona Arnold, bringing long-awaited answers to a case that had baffled investigators since 1995.
Kiyona’s remains were discovered on April 5, 1995, by a group of children in the 300 block of Atwood Street. For 30 years, she was listed as a Jane Doe, with her identity and story unknown—until advanced forensic DNA analysis provided a breakthrough.
In 2022, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office partnered with Othram Inc., a Texas-based forensic lab known for its use of genetic genealogy and DNA sequencing to solve cold cases. The effort was funded through crowdfunding, and later, a potential relative came forward to submit DNA. Testing confirmed the familial match, formally identifying the remains as Kiyona Arnold.
“She was only 15 when she was found. For years, she had no name, no voice,” the Othram report noted. “Now, she has both.”
At the time of discovery, investigators estimated the victim’s age as 18 to 28 years old. She was found wearing a light blue short-sleeved blouse and jeans. Despite extensive attempts over the years—including fingerprint comparisons and facial reconstructions—the case went cold.
While her identity is now known, the cause and manner of Kiyona’s death remain undetermined. An autopsy at the time could not pinpoint what led to her death. Investigators had initially suspected a possible drug overdose, as the house near where she was found was reportedly tied to illicit narcotics activity. However, her toxicology screen returned negative.
The Atlanta Police Department’s homicide unit has officially reopened the case, with Detective Summer Benton now leading the renewed investigation.
Investigators believe Kiyona may have been from the Adamsville area of Atlanta, and are urging anyone with information about her disappearance or death to come forward.
This case marks one of more than two dozen in Georgia where Othram’s DNA technology has been instrumental in resolving long-unsolved mysteries, offering closure to families long left in the dark.
