For Immediate Release

On November 24, 1989, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the discovery of human remains approximately 1.5 miles south of Milepost 66.5 off Interstate 40 near the Hualapai Mountains. Responding deputies observed that the remains belonged to a partially decomposed white female. Notably, she was unclothed, and her finger and toenails were painted with red nail polish.

On December 2, 1989, investigators returned to the scene to search for the victim’s clothing. During that search, a detective observed what appeared to be a piece of clothing protruding from underneath a nearby tree. The item, later identified as a handmade white blouse with a blue/purple flower pattern, was recovered from the scene.

An autopsy revealed that the victim was approximately 5’5” tall, weighed around 115 pounds, and was between 25 to 30 years old. Early announcements in local newspapers accompanied by calls for information regarding the case did not yield any leads. The case was subsequently reassigned in 2021 to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

Investigators learned that a DNA profile from the victim had been entered into CODIS in 2016; however, her identity remained unknown. Contact with Gene by Gene, a forensic laboratory in Texas, eventually led to the creation of a DNA profile that was entered into public genealogy databases GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA, databases that assist law enforcement. The victim was revealed to be 96% Ashkenazi Jew, a detail that has complicated efforts to trace her ancestry and locate family members.

From 2021 to the present, SIU investigators have continued their efforts to identify the victim, with no conclusive results thus far. In early 2026, a partnership was formed with Ramapo College in New Jersey. The college, which houses the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center—the first of its kind—has teamed with forensic experts in an effort to resolve this cold case. One of the first steps taken by the college was the creation of a forensic rendering of the victim, developed from photos of her skeletal remains, the recovered blouse, and the earrings she was wearing at the time of discovery.

If anyone has information regarding this case, please contact the Special Investigations Unit at (928) 753-0753 x4408 and reference DR# 89-4531.