Identification Made in Cold Case from 1997
The remains of a woman who was found buried under rocks in 1997 in rural Nevada have been identified, giving the cold case its "first lead in over 20 years," officials said Thursday.
The identification was made using forensic genetic genealogy in a partnership between the medical examiner's office and Othram, Inc., a company that specializes in the technique.
The woman has been positively identified as Lorena Gayle Mosley, also known as Lorena Gayle Sherwood, who was 41 at the time of her death.
Rock climbers found Mosley's body buried beneath rocks in rural Washoe County in June 1997. The cause of death could not be determined because of "severe decompositional changes," county officials said, but it was deemed a homicide "due to the circumstances."
Breakthrough in Cold Case: Woman's Remains Identified After 20 Years
Investigators were finally able to identify the remains of a woman found 20 years ago in Nevada, thanks to advanced DNA technology and collaboration between Othram, the medical examiner's office, and the FBI.
The woman's identity had remained a mystery for two decades. Initially, investigators had no information about her hair or eye color. Despite entering details and found items into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, there were no leads in the case.
In 2023, the forensic evidence was submitted to Othram, a company specializing in DNA analysis. Using genome sequencing, Othram developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the remains. This profile was then used in a genetic genealogy search, which provided investigative leads to the medical examiner's office.
With the assistance of the FBI, the medical examiner's office conducted a follow-up investigation. They were able to positively match old paper fingerprint records to fingerprints taken from the body after death, leading to the identification of the remains.
The next of kin of the woman, identified as Lorena Gayle Mosley, has been notified and can now claim her remains. The breakthrough in this cold case was made possible through new technology, innovation, and the generosity of donors who covered the investigation's costs.
"This is the first lead in over 20 years on this cold case, made possible through new technology and innovation, and the generosity of donors," said chief medical examiner and coroner Laura D. Knight in the Washoe County news release.
"I am deeply gratified to be able to give Ms. Mosley the dignity of being laid to rest with her name," Knight continued.
The sheriff's office is continuing to investigate Mosley's death.
