鈥淢issing, but not forgotten.鈥
Those are the words inscribed on a headstone in memory of Jewell 鈥楲alla鈥 Langford, a woman from Tennessee who was reported missing in April 1975.
For years, the mystery of what happened to Langford went unsolved.
On Wednesday, the Ontario Provincial Police were finally able to provide some answers.
In , the provincial police force said it was able to identify Langford as the woman whose previously unidentified remains were found in the Nation River in eastern Ontario on May 3, 1975. The OPP has also laid a criminal charge in connection to the case.
Rodney Nichols, 81, a resident of Hollywood, Fla., has been charged with murder. The victim and accused were known to each other, according to police.
鈥淭oday, we can announce we have provided a resolution to her family and the communities in eastern Ontario that have lived with this unsolved investigation for over 47 years,鈥 OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns said.
鈥淥ur collaborative approach with our policing partners and the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario has produced an opportunity for a grieving family to move forward, having lived with this tragic loss for so long.鈥
Langford, born Jewell Parchman, was a prominent member of the business community in Jackson, Tenn., said Detective Insp. Daniel Nadeau, major case manager with the OPP's criminal investigation branch.
A memorial headstone for Jewell P. Langford, a 48-year-old woman who went missing in April 1975, is seen in this handout photo. (HANDOUT/OPP)
Langford travelled from the U.S. to Montreal in April 1975, but her family reported her as missing when she never returned home.
Her spring 1975 disappearance coincided with the discovery of a woman鈥檚 body floating in the Nation River near the Highway 417 bridge, south of Casselman, Ont., about 50 kilometres east of Ottawa.
In the following 47 years, efforts by authorities to identify the woman and any potential suspects were unsuccessful. Those efforts included forensic artist's renderings,, a dedicated tip line and descriptions of evidence accompanied by several public appeals for information by police.
With the availability of new science and technology, Nadeau said the OPP decided, in consultation with Ontario鈥檚 chief coroner and members of the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto, to exhume the body of the victim to obtain a new DNA profile in late 2019.
Ontario鈥檚 chief coroner, Dr. Kirk Huyer, said they were able to isolate a DNA sample and managed to develop 鈥渁 very effective and clear鈥 DNA profile, despite many years passing.
That sample was shared with the , an American non-profit organization that uses an investigative genetic genealogy approach to assist law enforcement. Investigative genetic genealogy, or forensic genealogy, is DNA testing designed to find genetic matches and help discover one鈥檚 ancestry.
After the DNA sample was successfully linked with others through this process and a family tree analysis, Huyer said there was 鈥済ood potential鈥 that the unidentified remains belonged to Langford.
Then, police met with her relatives to obtain their DNA samples and sent them off to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for comparison, which Huyer said is what ultimately confirmed in 2020 that 48-year-old Langford was the victim previously referred to as 鈥淣ation River Lady.鈥
Langford鈥檚 remains were repatriated to the U.S. in March 2022, followed by a memorial service and burial.
Lalla Jewell Parchman Langford is pictured in this undated handout photo. (OPP)
鈥淪o this was a long and ongoing process, never stopping. Many different avenues followed. And I think it speaks to the continued work that our organizations do,鈥 Huyer said.
This is believed to be the first case in Canada that involved identifying human remains through forensic genealogy, the OPP said.
After Langford was finally identified, the OPP worked with the Service de Police de la Ville de Montr茅al (SPVM) to examine evidence gathered decades before that was related to the unsolved missing person case.
A lengthy investigation ensued, involving the OPP, SPVM, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the Canadian and U.S. Departments of Justice. Eventually, Nichols was charged in connection with the case.
Langford is being remembered as a beloved daughter, sister, cousin and friend who was 鈥渟o adored in life,鈥 said Detective Const. Janice Mulcock, who is now retired but was one of the many investigators assigned to work on the case over the years.
鈥淲hen she left the United States for Canada, she did so promising to remain in touch with every one of [her family members]. Unfortunately, that was a promise she was unable to keep,鈥 Mulcock said.
Langford loved her friends and family dearly and was 鈥渄evoted to all of them 鈥 and they knew it,鈥 Mulcock said. During her disappearance, Langford鈥檚 ex-husband of many years rallied with her mother, siblings and friends to search for her.
An updated memorial headstone for Jewell P. Langford, a 48-year-old woman who went missing in April 1975, is seen in this handout photo. (HANDOUT/OPP)
In her professional life, Langford co-owned a health spa with her ex-husband, where she was a leader and mentor. She was also the chair and president of the Jackson, Tenn. chapter of the American Business Women's Association, and in 1971, was voted Woman of the Year by her colleagues.
In January 1973, Mulcock said Langford passed on the following words: "First, carefully choose what you want to make of your life. Set your goal, work toward that goal, give your employer and customer their money's worth. Keep yourself physically fit, neat, attractive, sincere. And above all, keep trying."
While the words 鈥渕issing, but never forgotten,鈥 still ring true to those who knew Langford, Mulcock said an updated headstone will honour her memory.
鈥淣ow we can all collectively 鈥 family, friends and strangers alike 鈥 be grateful that the word 鈥榤issing鈥 will be replaced on her headstone with the words 鈥楩inally home and at peace.鈥欌
An organization that represents clothing recyclers says they鈥檙e frustrated after a W5 investigation found a fake charity and some violent players connected to organized crime have been muscling in on the clothing donation bin industry, and is calling for governments to do more.
Marred by several delays, the trial of alleged human traffickers Lauriston and Amber Maloney is underway Monday in a Bradford courtroom, with both entering a not guilty plea.
A group of Cape Breton firefighters are apologizing after four people showed up at a Halloween dance dressed in what appeared to be Ku Klux Klan costumes.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says if his party forms government, it will scrap the federal sales tax on new homes sold for less than $1 million and push provinces to do the same.
A recall has been issued for gummy candies due to pieces of wood, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
A manhunt is underway in northern Austria after a hunter allegedly fatally shot two people and fled the scene, local police said Monday.
Canadian doctors are calling for employers and schools not to require sick notes when it comes to short-term minor illnesses.
Here's how retirees will get their funds from the federal benefit.
Colin Farrell took time out from his acting schedule on Sunday to complete the Dublin Marathon 鈥 while pushing an old friend in a wheelchair.
An ongoing count of absentee ballots in British Columbia's election has seen the NDP cut the B.C. Conservatives' lead in a key riding to just four votes.
Police with the British Columbia Highway Patrol have arrested a 28-year-old man after 73 kilograms of cocaine were allegedly found inside a vehicle near the resort city of Revelstoke.
More than a week after a man was set to return from his hiking trip in northern B.C., police have released more information in hopes of advancing the missing person鈥檚 case.
New home sales in the Greater Toronto Area remained sluggish last month, but a new report suggests that the market is now primed for buyers following four consecutive interest rate cuts.
Peel Regional Police say investigators have arrested five suspects and seized dozens of guns and illegal devices used to convert firearms into automatic weapons.
An organization that represents clothing recyclers says they鈥檙e frustrated after a W5 investigation found a fake charity and some violent players connected to organized crime have been muscling in on the clothing donation bin industry, and is calling for governments to do more.
RCMP say a Medicine Hat man was killed in a collision between an SUV and a motorcycle in southeast Alberta on Sunday evening.
Shania Twain is coming to Calgary to help kick off Stampede. The Grammy-award-winning singer will be playing the Saddledome on July 5, 2025, to mark the start of 鈥淭he Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.鈥
Calgary鈥檚 Mission Bridge will be closed to motorists for several months as city crews complete rehabilitation work.
Grief counsellors are at Perth and District Collegiate Institute in Perth, Ont. today, as family, friends and the community mourn the death of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel.
Suspended Ottawa lawyer James Bowie has been ordered to pay $235,000 in damages to a former client after he repeatedly suggested she pay for his legal services with oral sex and released personal details about her online after the allegations were reported by 愛污传媒 Ottawa.
Municipalities across Ontario are facing a cost increase for provincial police services next year, including the Town of Arnprior, which will see a 21 per cent increase for the OPP.
The National Director of Youth Protection, Catherine Lemay, resigned at the request of the minister responsible for social services, Lionel Carmant, after institutional scandals.
Another Liberal MNA, D茅sir茅e McGraw, has joined her colleagues Elisabeth Prass and Fr茅d茅ric Beauchemin in dissent on the issue of funding for religious schools following their party's about-face.
The Parti Quebecois (PQ) said on Monday that if Canada continues its immigration policy, independence is the only way to protect its public services.
Epcor says it has removed more than 20,000 goldfish from an Edmonton stormwater pond.
Police are looking for help identifying an armed robber in a costume.
A warrant has been issued for an Edmonton man in connection with a $2.3 million drug bust earlier this month.
A group of Cape Breton firefighters are apologizing after four people showed up at a Halloween dance dressed in what appeared to be Ku Klux Klan costumes.
The Saint John Police Force is asking for the public鈥檚 help in locating a man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant in connection with a shooting incident in the city over the weekend.
Nearly a month earlier than last year, we have our first snowfall warning of the season issued in the Maritimes.
Three youths were arrested after a senior was shot in the head with a BB gun early Monday morning.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has honoured first responders for their actions following a fiery bus crash on the Trans-Canada Highway last year that killed 17 people.
A North End home went up in flames early Monday morning.
Candidates across Saskatchewan have made their final pitches to potential voters as the 2024 campaign comes to a close and election day arrives.
With multiple polls suggesting a tight race to the finish for Saskatchewan's major political parties 鈥 here are the ridings where some extra attention may be required.
Election day has arrived in Saskatchewan. With it, the last wave of voters prepare to cast their ballots and decide who will form government in the province.
What role does ideology play in the sentencing of the man who pleaded guilty to four charges in an attack at the University of Waterloo?
The Guelph Police Service is planning to dedicate more resources to ensuring public safety in the city鈥檚 downtown area as part of an ongoing initiative.
Police say just before 5 p.m. Friday, the suspects went to an address near Dawson Road and Shelldale Crescent and banged on the door.
Candidates across Saskatchewan have made their final pitches to potential voters as the 2024 campaign comes to a close and election day arrives.
With multiple polls suggesting a tight race to the finish for Saskatchewan's major political parties 鈥 here are the ridings where some extra attention may be required.
A construction worker who was robbed, shot and left for dead last week remains in a Saskatoon hospital awaiting more surgeries.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford in Sudbury on Monday afternoon to make an announcement at a wastewater facility.
Two people were busted in Nipissing First Nation trying to use fake money to buy machinery, Anishinabek Police Service says.
Former U.S. president Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to CNN anchor Anderson Cooper with a woman's first name in recent days as the Republican presidential nominee focuses his closing message on a hypermasculine appeal to men.
A home in Londesborough has been severely damaged following an early morning fire. Central Huron fire crews were called to the home on Sarah Street around 5:30 a.m.
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph鈥檚 hospitals are reintroducing masking guidelines. Starting Thursday, patients at both hospitals with a fever or respiratory symptoms will be required to wear a mask except in inpatient rooms.
Two men are wanted by the Sarnia Police Service, part of a residential armed robbery investigation.
Marred by several delays, the trial of alleged human traffickers Lauriston and Amber Maloney is underway Monday in a Bradford courtroom, with both entering a not guilty plea.
Huntsville OPP and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) are conducting a homicide investigation after three individuals were found dead in a Huntsville neighbourhood Friday evening.
Emergency crews battled a house fire in Huntsville that claimed the life of one pet on Monday.
Windsor police officers are asking for the public鈥檚 help to identify two suspects related to the death of a 69-year-old man in south-central Windsor.
A man is facing several charges after a five-hour standoff with Windsor police over the weekend.
A recall has been issued for gummy candies due to pieces of wood, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
An ongoing count of absentee ballots in British Columbia's election has seen the NDP cut the B.C. Conservatives' lead in a key riding to just four votes.
Police with the British Columbia Highway Patrol have arrested a 28-year-old man after 73 kilograms of cocaine were allegedly found inside a vehicle near the resort city of Revelstoke.
A minor earthquake shook off the coast of B.C. Monday morning, which registered at a magnitude of 4.1, according to federal officials.
More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
RCMP say a Medicine Hat man was killed in a collision between an SUV and a motorcycle in southeast Alberta on Sunday evening.
A tentative agreement has been reached between the City of Lethbridge and more than 900 employees belonging to CUPE Local 70.
The Hurricanes will be happy to be back home in Lethbridge Saturday night after losing their third in a row on the road Friday night, a 4-1 decision to the Broncos in Swift Current.
Ontario Provincial Police say three people have been charged with arson following a fire at a Sioux Lookout apartment building Friday night.
Last week, tariffs surrounding Chinese steel and aluminum products went into effect and stakeholders in northern Ontario and abroad say it's good news.
A female athlete from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., achieved two big goals at the 2024 World Triathlon championships in Spain last weekend.
Teams are facing off in a new eastern Newfoundland hockey league aiming to bring competitive play 鈥 and a few extra years on the ice 鈥 for young women in the province.
Investigators found the remains of a 77-year-old American man on Wednesday at the scene of a fire that destroyed a hotel in western Newfoundland earlier on the weekend.
Police in western Newfoundland say a 77-year-old man visiting the province from Kansas is missing after a fire at a hotel in Deer Lake, N.L.
Epcor says it has removed more than 20,000 goldfish from an Edmonton stormwater pond.
Witches and warlocks have been flocking to New Brunswick waterways this month, as a new Halloween tradition ripples across the province.
New Brunswicker Jillea Godin鈥檚 elaborate cosplay pieces attract thousands to her online accounts, as well as requests from celebrities for their own pieces.
A new resident at a Manitoba animal rescue has waddled her way into people's hearts.
Hundreds of people ran to the music of German composer and pianist Beethoven Wednesday night in a unique race in Halifax.
He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.
A meteor lit up our region's sky last night 鈥 with a large fireball shooting across the horizon over Lake Erie at around 7:00 p.m.
Residents of Ottawa's Rideauview neighbourhood say an aggressive wild turkey has become a problem.
A man who lost his life while trying to rescue people from floodwaters, and a 13-year-old boy who saved his family from a dog attack, are among the Nova Scotians who received a medal for bravery Tuesday.
Another week, another raft of imminent challenges to Justin Trudeau's leadership of both the country and the Liberal Party.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says if his party forms government, it will scrap the federal sales tax on new homes sold for less than $1 million and push provinces to do the same.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says there has been a 鈥渟ignificant reduction鈥漷o the public safety threat since six Indian diplomatic officials were expelled from the country last week.
Transplant experts are seeing a spike in people revoking organ donor registrations, their confidence shaken by reports that organs were nearly retrieved from a Kentucky man mistakenly declared dead.
Canadian doctors are calling for employers and schools not to require sick notes when it comes to short-term minor illnesses.
A recall has been issued for gummy candies due to pieces of wood, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
An investigation by French newspaper Le Monde found that the highly confidential movements of U.S. President Joe Biden, presidential rivals Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and other world leaders can be easily tracked online through a fitness app that their bodyguards use.
A British man who used artificial intelligence to create images of child abuse was sent to prison for 18 years on Monday.
Renowned Canadian author Margaret Atwood, who is currently writing her memoir, said in an interview that she is too old to be worried about the rise of artificial intelligence and described herself as still having a 'good time' writing.
Adele and Celine Dion were each brought to tears after an emotional interaction during Adele's concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Colin Farrell took time out from his acting schedule on Sunday to complete the Dublin Marathon 鈥 while pushing an old friend in a wheelchair.
Victor Garber got teary-eyed when he walked into a brunch in his honour Sunday in London, Ont.
Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said on Monday it sued Delta Air Lines in U.S. District Court in Georgia after a faulty software update prompted a global outage in July.
Volkswagen has informed employee representatives that it wants to close at least three plants in Germany, the head of the company's works council said Monday.
American Airlines is testing a new technology at three airports across the U.S. during the boarding process that aims to cut down on passengers who try to cut the line.
One bar in Tokyo has been trying to reintroduce to locals and visitors alike a taste of doburoku, one of the oldest and most controversial drinks in Japanese history.
British chef Jamie Oliver is asking for help to solve the mystery of a missing award-winning cheddar, worth US$390,000.
With jaw-dropping big wall ascents and a life packed with adrenaline and adventure, climber Tommy Caldwell has had a career worthy of 鈥 and captured by 鈥 a feature film.
Dwyane Wade鈥檚 status as a Miami Heat legend was further cemented on Sunday as the franchise unveiled an eight-foot statue of the three-time NBA champion.
San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa crashed his teammates' postgame interview on Sunday to show his support for former U.S. president Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election with a hat emblazoned with Trump's slogan: Make America Great Again.
Leon Draisaitl scored his second goal of the game 18 seconds into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on Sunday night.
Volkswagen has informed employee representatives that it wants to close at least three plants in Germany, the head of the company's works council said Monday.
A 17-year-old Ottawa driver was caught speeding nearly 90 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 417.
Based on initial appearances, there are signs indicating the automobile industry is in healthy shape 鈥 for now.
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at 愛污传媒. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.聽Read about us.
