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Oakland Police Identify 1969 Murder Victim and Name Former Fugitive as Suspect
By Drooid · · How we work
Identification of a 1969 Oakland Murder Victim
Police announced that the teenage girl found strangled in a downtown Oakland hotel in October 1969 has been identified as 16-year-old Joann Yvonne Burdick, known to her family as Joanie. Investigators used investigative genetic genealogy: Burdick’s brother provided a voluntary DNA sample, which matched the remains and confirmed her identity after 57 years.
Investigation and Suspect Profile
The case has been linked to Taylor Morris Teaford, a former FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive popularly called the “Crew Cut Killer.” Teaford’s extensive criminal history includes suspicion in the killing of his grandmother and the shooting of his sister, according to police. Authorities have not located Teaford and do not know whether he is still alive. The FBI’s San Francisco Field Office re-opened the investigation in 2020, applying modern forensic tools and genealogical expertise to evidence collected decades earlier.
Official Statements & Responses
Oakland Police Chief James Beere said the identification gives the victim’s family answers that were missing for decades and emphasized that the investigation remains open. He noted that the department is collaborating with other law-enforcement agencies and that additional searches and technology may eventually reveal Teaford’s whereabouts or connect him to other cold cases. The FBI’s San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble highlighted the role of modern forensic methods in solving the identity question.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For decades, her family lacked the answers they deserved about what happened,” — James Beere, oakland police chief
- “No matter how much time has passed, victims are not forgotten,” — Charge Scott Schelble
- “We're still looking at all of our cold cases, whether they're homicides or missing persons cases,” — James Beere, oakland police chief
- “Regardless if this happened 57 years ago or it happened two months ago, we're still keeping hope alive,” — James Beere, oakland police chief
Ongoing Efforts
Police continue to review cold cases—both homicides and missing-person investigations—using the same DNA and genealogy techniques that solved Burdick’s identity. The department stresses that, regardless of the passage of time, it will keep searching for answers for victims and their families.