Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Authorities in Oregon have made a breakthrough discovery in a decades-old case, finally identifying the remains of a teenage girl who went missing over 50 years ago. The body, belonging to Sandra Young, a student at Grant High School in Portland, was found after an extensive investigation.
Discovery of the Remains
The remains of Sandra Young were initially discovered in 1970, buried in a shallow grave and accompanied by a black curly wig. The body had been fully skeletonized by the time it was found, indicating that considerable time had passed since her disappearance. Investigators determined that foul play was involved due to trauma to the body.
Breakthrough in DNA Analysis
Despite multiple attempts to identify the remains over the years, it wasn’t until 2018 that significant progress was made. New DNA analysis techniques were applied, including DNA phenotyping and investigative genetic genealogy. These methods allowed researchers to create a DNA Snapshot Report, predicting Sandra’s physical characteristics.
Family Connection Leads to Positive Identification
In January 2023, a breakthrough occurred when an individual uploaded their DNA to a genetic genealogy database, leading to the identification of a potential family connection. Further investigation and collaboration with family members confirmed that the remains belonged to Sandra Young.
Ongoing Investigation
The Portland Police Bureau is now actively investigating Sandra Young’s death, building on the information provided by her family members. The identification of Sandra’s remains after 54 years brings closure to her loved ones and showcases the power of innovative DNA technology in solving cold cases.
For more news updates, visit CBS News.
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