Sheriff Don Barnes | Official website of Orange County
Sheriff Don Barnes | Official website of Orange County
Orange County Sheriff's investigators are actively seeking information following new developments in the 1983 homicide case of Maritza Glean Grimmett. Previously known as Jane Doe, Maritza was identified in March 2024, reigniting efforts to solve the long-standing mystery surrounding her death.
Two individuals have been identified as persons of interest: Howard Grimmett, Maritza's ex-husband, and his current wife, Isabel "Terry" Cruz-Grimmett. Authorities are also requesting assistance from the public for any additional information that may help resolve the case.
Maritza's remains were discovered in April 1983 in a culvert near Canada and Old Trabuco roads, an area now part of Lake Forest. Despite extensive forensic work and collaboration with private and federal partners over several decades, she remained unidentified until last year.
A breakthrough came when investigators connected with a distant genetic relative who suggested sharing Maritza’s forensic rendering on a Facebook group dedicated to missing women from the 1970s and 1980s. This led to a woman contacting authorities in December 2023, believing the images could be of her missing mother. By March 2024, Maritza was positively identified.
Further investigation revealed that Maritza was originally from Panama and married U.S. Marine Howard Grimmett in 1978. The couple had a daughter before moving to the United States later that year, living first in Columbus, Ohio, then Millington, Tennessee. Divorce proceedings began in July 1979 after which Howard remarried and relocated to California.
Maritza reportedly informed her sister about plans to travel to California but subsequently lost contact with her family. Investigators are keen on details regarding her arrival in California and seek information from former military personnel who might have seen her at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station between late 1979 and April 1983.