(KTLA) — The body of a homicide victim who was found buried in a California vineyard has been identified as a 15-year-old girl who disappeared in February 1978.
Authorities found the skeletal remains in June 1978 in a grape vineyard in Kern County. Her identity remained unknown for decades until investigators were able to confirm it through modern forensic genealogy tools.
On July 28, 2026, Kern County authorities confirmed the remains belonged to Michelle Louise Collier, 15, of Fresno, California. The confirmation comes 48 years after her death…