Vivian Moss cold case: Murder victim in 1981 San Jose cold case ID'd; Santa Clara County DA asks public for suspect information
Share this @internewscast.com

SAN JOSE, Calif. — More than 40 years ago on July 11, 1981, California police found a dismembered torso of a woman, killed by multiple stab wounds.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office reported that the victim was discovered in a deserted field, now occupied by the VTA Berryessa Transit Center and BART Station parking structure, located in San Jose, California.

“She remained unidentified. Her identity was unknown to us. She had been dismembered, and her murder had not been solved,” stated Rob Baker, Deputy District Attorney for Santa Clara County.

Now, there is a breakthrough, the DA’s office announced Tuesday that forensic genealogy has revealed her to be Vivian Moss.

She was 54 years old at the time she died.

The DA’s office said an AI-generated image of Moss was created with help from a fuzzy family photo.

“We wanted to put a name to the face,” Baker said.

This is an artificial-intelligence generated image of Vivian Moss, who was murdered in 1981, in San Jose, Calif.

This is an artificial-intelligence generated image of Vivian Moss, who was murdered in 1981, in San Jose, Calif.

Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office

He said they partnered with forensic genealogists at Parabon NanoLabs, another company, EWU Media, helped fund the work.

In 2024, they let investigators know that they had the name of a potential granddaughter.

“Consequently, our cold case unit investigators contacted this granddaughter, who revealed, ‘In 1981, I was supposed to stay overnight at my grandma’s home, but she never arrived to pick me up, and that was the last time I ever saw her,'” Baker explained.

With half of the mystery solved, Baker said the family and investigators are hoping someone comes forward with any information that can lead to who killed Moss.

“Does anyone know Vivian Moss, where she might have been, what could have led to this, to her killing? Were there any men or people in her life that maybe were a threat to her?” Baker asked.

Baker said Vivian Moss was an active member of the Mt. Zion Spiritual Church in Oakland. They said she may have worked at an Oakland elementary school at some point before she disappeared.

She was found with religious medallions, the first was round and said “Saint Christopher protect us”. The other was oval shaped with the front showing a picture of the Virgin Mary surrounded by the words “Mary conceived without sin. Pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

“Please help us find out what happened to Vivian,” Baker said, “We know who she is now. We have a name. We just want to find out what happened to her.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Clara County DA’s Cold Case Unit at (408) 792-2466 or coldcasetips@dao.sccgov.org

Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Robert Kraft donates $10K to Texas flood victims in Hamptons

Robert Kraft Contributes $10,000 to Support Texas Flood Victims

Only in the Hamptons, kids, only in the Hamptons… Patriots owner Robert…
Former Bradford County teacher jailed for crimes with student

Ex-Bradford County Teacher Sentenced to Jail for Student-Related Offenses

Matthew Dawson Watson is charged with sexual conduct over a computer and…
Chicago City Council's Finance Committee recommends settling 2 Chicago Police Department misconduct lawsuits for over $35 million

Chicago Finance Committee Proposes $35 Million Settlement for Two Police Misconduct Cases

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago is proceeding with plans to resolve a couple…
A gang surrounding a car, attacking the driver.

Drake’s Rapper Friend Stabbed in London Post-Concert Amid Horrifying Scene of Crowd Attacking Car and Shattering Windshield

A RAPPER was stabbed hours after watching Drake’s final Wireless Festival set.…
French right-wing National Rally party HQ raided by police in 'harassment operation'

French Police Raid National Rally Party Headquarters in Alleged Harassment Action

The headquarters of the French right-wing National Rally party were searched on…
Blue city officers flocking to cop-friendly red states, police leader says: ‘Why would anyone stay?’

Police Officers Moving to Red States in Droves: ‘What’s the Point of Staying?’ Says Union Leader

In cities predominantly overseen by Democratic leaders, law enforcement officers are relocating…
Multiple people were injured in 2 Kentucky shootings, including one at a church

Several individuals were hurt in two shooting incidents in Kentucky, one of which occurred at a church.

Police say the suspect carjacked a vehicle after shooting the trooper and…
Wildfire along Grand Canyon's North Rim destroys historic lodge and is spreading rapidly

Historic Lodge Destroyed as Wildfire Rapidly Spreads Along Grand Canyon’s North Rim

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A wildfire that destroyed a historic lodge and…
Most teens — and girls especially — see college as key to jobs and life skills, AP-NORC poll says

AP-NORC Poll Finds Most Teens, Especially Girls, View College as Crucial for Career and Life Skills Development

PHOENIX (AP) — A recent survey reveals that the majority of American…

Exploring the Science of Shark Bites: National Geographic’s ‘Investigation Shark Attack’ at ‘Sharkfest’

“Sharkfest” dives deep with a new series and some jaw-dropping science. National…
Angry Kanye West fans chant for refund at chaotic Shanghai show: 'Worst concert ever'

Frustrated Kanye West Fans Demand Refunds During Turbulent Shanghai Show: ‘Worst Concert Experience Ever’

Kanye West’s fans erupted into an angry chant after the rapper was…
I don't know how I'll survive if Social Security gets cut

How Will I Handle Life If Social Security Benefits Are Reduced?

DEAR ABBY: My spouse and I are retired and on Social Security.…