Mystery leg in Oklahoma bombing belonged to woman, M.E. says

August 30, 1995

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (CNN) -- The left leg found in the bomb wreckage of the Murrah Federal Building probably belonged to a 5-foot 5-inch black woman, not a man, the Oklahoma state medical examiner said Wednesday.

The announcement, based on DNA analysis, follows speculation that the leg found in a military-style black leather boot, might belong to an accomplice in the April 19 bombing. The leg was found in the rubble May 30, but the discovery was not announced until August 7, when the medical examiner said there was a "75 percent probability" it belonged to a man.

Now, FBI analysis of DNA "has shown conclusively that the left leg is not male but female," Chief Medical Examiner Fred Jordan said in a statement released by his office. Hair analysis showed "Negroid characteristics," Jordan said. He said he believes the leg belongs to "an individual with some African ancestry."

The unidentified woman, estimated to be between 16 and 30 years old, was the 169th victim of the bombing. The toll includes 168 killed in the bombing and a nurse who died of injuries suffered in the recovery-rescue effort.

Jordan said the leg did not match any of seven victims who were missing a left leg.

Stephen Jones, attorney for bombing suspects Timothy McVeigh, has suggested that the mystery leg might belong to the "real bomber."

Investigators do not believe the other man facing trial in the case, Terry Nichols, was at the scene of the bombing.

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Mystery leg in Oklahoma bombing belonged to woman, M.E. says

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