FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into a missing person and located human remains case in Golden Valley. Using advanced DNA technology, the human remains discovered on October 22, 2000, have been positively identified as Dennis Craig Edmondson, who was reported missing on February 18, 1998.

In January 2022, the cold case was assigned to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for further review. Updated flyers were created and distributed to encourage community members to share any information with SIU Investigators. New DNA samples obtained from Edmondson’s family were sent to NamUs for review. During their investigation, SIU Investigators suspected that the unidentified remains—found by teenagers in a desert area off Burro Rd. and Verde Dr.—could belong to Dennis Edmondson.

At the time of the initial recovery, investigators examined dental records; however, these provided negative results. SIU Investigators were notified that the DNA samples from the remains were degraded, complicating electronic comparisons. A manual review was then requested, and on February 24, 2026, confirmation was received from UNT Health that the remains matched the familial DNA samples provided, thereby confirming the identity of Dennis Edmondson.

While officials are pleased to have solved part of this 28-year-old mystery, the case now transitions into a death investigation. Investigators are exploring the possibility that Edmondson did not die of natural causes and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact SIU Investigators at 928-753-0753 ext. 4408 and reference DR# 98-03894.