It began as a routine home renovation. On November 12, 1978, Batavia resident James Skinner was tearing down a wall at 239 East Wilson Street when he made a chilling discovery: a human skull, wedged between the studs, hidden for decades. The find launched a cold case that would baffle investigators for more than 40 years—until a team of modern forensic experts, genealogists, and local officials finally brought closure to the mystery this week.

At a press conference held by Kane County Coroner Rob Russell, the story of the skull’s journey—from a 19th-century grave to a suburban Illinois home—was revealed in full, with the help of advanced DNA technology and community support.

The Discovery and the Cold Case

Back in 1978, forensic science was nowhere near as advanced as today. The Batavia Police Department launched a thorough investigation, reaching out to national labs, museums, and universities. All they could determine was that the skull belonged to a young woman, likely around age 20, and dated to sometime before 1900. A search of missing persons records turned up nothing. With no leads, the case went cold.

Decades passed. The skull was stored away, eventually ending up in a box at the Batavia Depot Museum. In March 2021, museum staff rediscovered the box while cleaning and notified police. The original report was found, but no new evidence emerged. The skull was remanded to the Kane County Coroner’s office, where Deputy Coroner Gabrielle Alexander took charge of the investigation.

Enter Modern Forensics

Coroner Rob Russell had established a cold case team in 2015 to tackle unresolved deaths and mysteries in the county. When the Batavia skull resurfaced, the team knew they needed cutting-edge forensic tools. That’s where Othram Inc., a Texas-based laboratory specializing in forensic genetic genealogy, entered the picture.

Othram uses a process called FIGG (Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy)—the same technique that helped identify the Golden State Killer in 2018. Despite the skull’s age, Othram scientists were able to extract usable DNA and build a genetic profile. But funding was needed for the extensive testing and database matching. A public crowdfunding campaign was launched in December 2023, and thanks to generous donations from citizens and local media coverage, the necessary funds were quickly raised.

A Breakthrough in DNA Matching

Within two weeks of authorizing the genetic analysis, Othram delivered astonishing news: they had not only found a DNA match, but also mapped out a family tree with living relatives. The coroner’s office reached out to the second great-grandson of the suspected individual, who provided a DNA sample for confirmation. The match was conclusive.

The skull belonged to Esther Granger, born October 26, 1848, in Indiana. At age 16, she married Charles Granger and soon became pregnant. Tragically, Esther died in May 1866 from complications of childbirth, leaving behind a newborn daughter. Charles named the baby girl Esther, in honor of her mother.

The Mystery Deepens: Grave Robbing?

This revelation raised a troubling question: If Esther died and was buried in Indiana, how did her skull end up inside a wall in Batavia, Illinois? While the exact answer may never be known, investigators believe grave robbing is the most likely explanation.

Grave robbing was common in the 19th century, driven by demand for bodies for medical research and anatomy studies. The practice was lucrative—robbers could earn several months’ wages from a single body. Law enforcement rarely intervened, and justice often came through vigilante family members. Riots and violence sometimes erupted in response to grave thefts, including one infamous incident in nearby St. Charles in 1849.

While Esther was not part of that riot, her case fits the profile of a grave robbery victim. Her remains may have been stolen, sold, and eventually hidden away in Batavia, where they remained undisturbed for over a century.

Bringing Closure: A Family Reunited

After confirming Esther’s identity, authorities contacted her second great-grandson, Wayne Skyler, who lives in Portland, Oregon. Though he never met Esther, Wayne expressed deep gratitude for the chance to honor his ancestor and restore dignity to her memory.

With the family’s blessing, Esther Granger was laid to rest in Batavia West Cemetery, in a columbarium space donated by the city. Wayne delivered a heartfelt eulogy via Zoom, reflecting on the connection he felt to Esther through his own mother and grandparents.

Science, Community, and Compassion

The investigation was a testament to teamwork and perseverance. Deputy Gabrielle Alexander spent years tracking down leads, coordinating with police, museum staff, and forensic experts. The Batavia Police Department, city officials, and local museum all played vital roles. Othram’s advanced DNA analysis and the generosity of citizens made the final breakthrough possible.

A 3D-printed replica of Esther’s skull was created by 3D Resin Solutions, allowing forensic artist Natalie Murray to reconstruct what Esther may have looked like. The replica and portrait were unveiled at the press event, providing a tangible link to the past.

A New Era in Cold Case Investigations

Michael Vogan, director of account management at Othram, explained the process: “We built Othram to generate human ID from forensic evidence, whether it’s unidentified remains or suspect DNA. Our end-to-end process looks at hundreds of thousands of DNA markers to build high-performing profiles and connect families. That’s what we did here.”

The case of Esther Granger demonstrates the power of modern forensic science—and the impact of community support—in solving mysteries that once seemed impossible. It also highlights the importance of honoring those lost to history, restoring their names, and reuniting them with family.

The Unanswered Questions

Despite the closure, some mysteries remain. How did Esther’s remains travel from Indiana to Illinois? Where is the rest of her body? Was she sold for medical study, or hidden for another reason? Investigators may never have all the answers, but the evidence points to the harsh realities of an era when grave robbing was widespread.

Honoring Esther

Coroner Rob Russell closed the press conference by thanking everyone involved—from detectives and lab scientists to museum staff and donors. “Your gifts were put to great use and your prayers were answered,” he said. “We are honored to restore a sense of decency to the life and death of Esther Granger.”

Esther’s story, hidden for nearly 150 years, is now part of Batavia’s history—a reminder of the power of science, teamwork, and compassion.