In January 1990, a human skull was found near a creek bank between Geary and El Reno, two small rural communities along the I-40 interstate corridor just west of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Canadian County Sheriff’s Office responded and began investigating and collecting evidence. A thorough search of the surrounding area led to the recovery of additional skeletal remains. Investigators determined the remains belonged to a White woman, estimated to be between 18 and 35 years old, and likely deceased for months or years.
Investigators found several pieces of clothing at the scene, including tan Chaus brand slacks (size 9/10), a white collared shirt and a baseball-style cap. A woman’s ring was also discovered nearby. However, due to the advanced state of decomposition and limited forensic capabilities at the time, traditional identification methods were unsuccessful and the case went cold. In 2010, her case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP6554.
In 2023, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office and Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner partnered with Othram where scientists determined that advanced DNA testing could help to identify the woman. Despite the evidence being very degraded, Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the woman. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement…