A shocking cold case in California has finally been solved after nearly a decade. The case, known as the “Mom-in-the-Box” investigation, involved the discovery of two bodies in a home in Monterey. The first body, found in 2014, belonged to a woman initially identified as Francesca Linda Jacobs, who died from starvation. The second body, discovered in a box under the kitchen table, was believed to be Jacobs' mother, Florence Ida Jacobs.

The investigation took a bizarre turn when discrepancies were found in the case. Jacobs appeared much older than her driver's license indicated, and the photo on the license seemed to depict a different, older woman. Records for both Jacobs and her mother were scarce, with no information predating the 1990s.

In 2022, the Monterey County District Attorney's Office and the sheriff's office joined forces to identify all the area's unknown human remains, including those in the “Mom-in-the-Box” case. Genetic samples from both women were sent to a private forensics lab in Texas for testing. The analysis revealed shocking revelations.

The woman who had identified herself as Francesca Jacobs was actually Linda Rae Jacobs, born in 1942, making her 12 years older than her driver's license claimed. The DNA analysis also confirmed that the woman in the box was indeed her mother, Ida Florence Jacobs. With these new developments, detectives were able to contact relatives, including a previous husband who confirmed the strong bond between the mother and daughter.

However, many questions remain unanswered. The reasons behind Linda Jacobs assuming a new name and keeping her mother's body in a box under the kitchen table may never be known, leaving investigators puzzled. The investigation into their deaths continues.

The “Mom-in-the-Box” case shocked the community and garnered significant media attention over the years. The intense privacy of Linda Jacobs and the discovery of the mummified body added to the mystery. Neighbors described Linda as a little strange and said they had no idea about the body stored in her kitchen.

The resolution of this cold case brings closure to the family and highlights the importance of forensic advancements in solving long-standing mysteries. The joint effort between law enforcement agencies and private forensics labs has proven instrumental in identifying unknown remains and providing answers to grieving families.