Strike hits the slopes | From the Newsroom

Likely suspects in Susan Hoppes ('Windy Point Jane') death are deceased; ski patrollers go on strike

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A tale long and tragic It's been more than 31 years now since the remains of Washington State nurse Susan Hoppes were discovered in remote Montrose County, near Windy Point. As chronicled over the decades, her name was unknown until just a few years ago, when forensic genetic genealogy enabled familial DNA testing to point the CBI and Montrose County Sheriff's Office in the right direction. It was my honor to help write part of Susan's story, and doubly my honor to see the astounding amount of work investigators poured into the case, over several administrations. Their hard work should never be forgotten, and especially, the incredible work of private investigator Amy Johnson, who was seeking Susan since 2004, from the Washington side of things, at the request of the woman's aunt and uncle. The MCSO, CBI and former coroner Dr. Thomas Canfield amassed a whole lot of jigsaw pieces, but it was Amy who put them all together. Her dogged pursuit of information led to the people last known to have been seen with Susan, and enough information for the MCSO to determine those two individuals, at minimum, knew what happened to Susan.  It does not hurt, sometimes, to hold out hope for the impossible. When I started here, and first bumped into the case when Dr. Canfield was drumming up publicity in the hope of finding out who "Windy Point Jane Doe" was, I honestly never thought she could be identified, until forensic genetic genealogy became more mainstream and better known due to high profile cases like the Golden State Killer. When Susan's identity was confirmed, I still never imagined they would ever determine who was responsible for what happened to her. I stand corrected. I stand in awe of the people who made this happen. If Amy Johnson compiles and publishes her planned book, I will be first in line to buy it. And also, I stand in sadness for Susan Hoppes, who should still be with us. It was a privilege to be able to share some of your story, Susan. But I wish there had been no such story to share. As Amy said, you deserved better. Rest in peace. (Susan Elizabeth Hoppes/Courtesy Amy Johnson) - Happy New Year, Montrose! Katharhynn, from the Newsroom

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