LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A major breakthrough has emerged in a cold case that has puzzled investigators for nearly two decades in La Vergne.

The body of a woman discovered in remote woods in November 2007 has finally been identified as Mary Alice Maloney, a 40-year-old Connecticut native who was living in Nashville at the time of her death.

La Vergne Police turned to the DNA Doe Project after years of being unable to identify the remains.

The volunteer organization uses genetic genealogy investigators to help solve cold cases involving unidentified victims.

On Nov. 14, 2007, police discovered the body in a wooded area in La Vergne.

Authorities initially believed the victim was Black or multiracial, between the ages of 25 and 49.

The DNA Doe Project uses genetic material from web

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