Remains Found in California Decades Ago ID’d as Missing New York 13-year-old
Introduction to the Case
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KRON) – A 13-year-old girl who was found dead along a river in California’s Santa Cruz County three decades ago was recently identified through DNA testing, investigators said.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office partnered with a forensic DNA lab, Othram, to develop new leads in the cold case. "As a result of this collaboration, we successfully identified the remains as those of 13-year-old Laura O’Malley from Queens, New York," the sheriff’s office wrote Tuesday.
The Discovery and Investigation
Laura O’Malley (Photo via Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office)
O’Malley’s partial skeletal remains were found on March 22, 1995, along a river flowing next to Highway 129. Her estimated date of death was between 1977 and 1984.
O’Malley was reported missing in New York by her family in the summer of 1975. Her family never saw or heard from her again. Investigators said it’s still unknown how the teen girl traveled to California, nor what caused her death.
Breakthrough in the Case
Othram and the Sheriff’s Office utilized advanced genetic genealogy to identify potential family members in recent years.
"We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Othram and the use of forensic advancements that have provided long-awaited answers to Laura’s family. The circumstances surrounding her death are still under investigation," the sheriff’s office wrote.
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Conclusion
The identification of Laura O’Malley’s remains brings closure to a case that has been unsolved for decades. The use of advanced forensic technology and genetic genealogy has proven to be a valuable tool in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
FAQs
Q: How were the remains of Laura O’Malley identified?
A: The remains were identified through DNA testing and advanced genetic genealogy.
Q: How long had Laura O’Malley been missing?
A: Laura O’Malley had been missing since the summer of 1975.
Q: What is the cause of Laura O’Malley’s death?
A: The cause of Laura O’Malley’s death is still under investigation.
Q: How did the partnership between the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and Othram contribute to the case?
A: The partnership provided long-awaited answers to Laura’s family and helped to identify her remains.
