After nearly five decades, a woman found deceased in a Canadian river has been identified, and a suspect has been apprehended and charged with her murder. Using advanced DNA technology, authorities identified the "Nation River Lady" as Jewell "Lalla" Langford, a 48-year-old American woman from Jackson, Tennessee.
In 1975, Langford's body was discovered in eastern Ontario’s Nation River. The case remained unsolved for 47 years until investigators utilized whole genome sequencing in 2019. This groundbreaking technique, believed to be the first of its kind in Canada, matched a DNA sample from the remains to Langford's family members. The Ontario Provincial Police announced the breakthrough and subsequent arrest in a press release this week.
Langford, a respected businesswoman who co-owned a spa in Jackson, Tennessee, traveled to Montreal in April 1975 and never returned. 81-year-old Randy Nichols has been charged with her murder. Authorities believe Langford and Nichols were acquainted.
Ontario's Chief Coroner, Dr. Dirk Huyer, expressed relief for Langford's family, highlighting the importance of perseverance and advancements in forensic science. Langford’s remains were returned to the United States in March 2022, where a memorial service and burial took place. Authorities withheld Langford's identity until the investigation reached a critical point to maintain its integrity.
