SARASOTA, FLORIDA: A 16-year-old mystery was unraveled after skeletal remains discovered in a shallow grave in Sarasota, Florida is now identified as Jeana Lynn Burrus. However, the 39-year-old wife and mother whose remains were found in 2007 were never reported.

"The investigation into Jeana’s death was further complicated as she was never reported missing by family, and her whereabouts had not been questioned," read the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office's Facebook statement on Wednesday, August 2, reported CBS News.

Burrus was buried just three miles from her home

On February 6, 2007, Burrus' skeletal remains were found buried in a shallow grave in Ashton Court, according to authorities. The wooded area where she was buried was around three miles from where the woman lived with her husband and son.

"The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death remained cold until November of 2022, when the SCSO, working in conjunction with DNA Labs International Inc., utilized current advancements in DNA testing and genetic genealogy to make a positive identification," read the official statement.

What led to Burrus' death?

Announcing the woman's remains being identified, the deputies shared an outline of Burrus' life. She lived with her husband, James Burrus, and their son, James Burrus Jr. The victim who lived in the 6200 block of Pauline Avenue in Sarasota was unemployed. Her husband worked at a local auto body shop located in the 5600 block of Sarah Avenue in Sarasota.

Adding to the complexity of the cold case, new management at the body shop where James worked stated that law enforcement authorities conducted a search at the premises several months ago but discovered nothing. The couple's son attended Gulf Gate Elementary School between 2005 and 2006, according to the news release issued by the sheriff's office.

"The couple resided in Citrus County, Florida, and Frederick, Maryland, prior to relocating to Sarasota County," the deputies wrote. Authorities also conducted a search at the Sarasota house where Burrus lived with her husband and son but no significant findings were made, said the woman who rented them the home, according to Law and Crime.

Authorities are now urging anyone who knew Jeana Burrus or her husband or the circumstances surrounding her missing and her death is encouraged to reach out to Sheriff’s Detective Brian Ng at 941-861-4900. The community is awaiting further updates from the deputies as they are hopeful to bring closure to her loved ones.