Her Name Was Signe

Joseph Sern of the Los Angeles Times tells us who the mummified car passenger was. Her name was Signe Margit, age 59.

Family members told detectives that Margit held two master's degrees. In 2001, she was issued a pre-intern teaching certificate for cross-cultural, language and academic development emphasis in California, according to records.

The certificate allowed her in-class teaching experience with children who had emotional problems and mild to moderate learning disabilities. During some of this time, she worked with special education students at Audubon Middle School in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Over the next decade, records show her living in a dozen cities throughout California, Texas and Washington. During this period, she filed for bankruptcy and appeared to have recurring money troubles. At one point, she reported in court records that she owned a 1999 Toyota Corolla, some clothing, $50 worth of jewelry and not much else.

I believe that every human being has inherent worth, and I believe that the bodies we leave behind should be handled in a dignified manner. My prayers are with those who loved Margit. While they had no doubt hoped she was still alive, at least they're starting to get answers now.