Remains of Lorena Gayle Mosley, Buried for Over 20 Years, Identified in Cold Case Breakthrough

Accident – Death – Obituary News : The remains of a woman discovered buried under rocks in rural Nevada in 1997 have finally been identified, providing a breakthrough in a cold case that had remained unsolved for over 20 years. The breakthrough came through the use of forensic genetic genealogy, in a collaboration between the medical examiner’s office and Othram, Inc., a specialized company in this technique.

According to a news release from Washoe County, the woman has been positively identified as Lorena Gayle Mosley, also known as Lorena Gayle Sherwood, who was 41 years old at the time of her death. In June 1997, rock climbers stumbled upon Mosley’s body buried beneath rocks in rural Washoe County. Due to severe decompositional changes, the cause of death could not be determined, but the circumstances surrounding the burial led officials to classify it as a homicide.

The initial investigation faced numerous challenges. Investigators were unable to determine important details such as the woman’s hair or eye color. However, the case details, including certain items and clothing found with the remains, were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Additionally, a forensic reconstruction was created to depict what the woman may have looked like. Despite these efforts, no leads were generated in the case.

In 2023, the forensic evidence from the case was submitted to Othram. Using genome sequencing, scientists at the company were able to develop a DNA extract and build a comprehensive DNA profile for the remains. This profile was then utilized in a genetic genealogy search to generate investigative leads, which were subsequently provided to the medical examiner’s office. Community assistance was also sought during this process.

The medical examiner’s office, in collaboration with Othram and with the assistance of the FBI, conducted a follow-up investigation. They were able to positively match old paper fingerprint records to the fingerprints taken from the body after death, leading to the identification of the remains as Mosley. Washoe County officials have notified Mosley’s next of kin, who can now claim her remains.

Chief Medical Examiner and Coroner Laura D. Knight expressed her gratitude for the breakthrough in the case, attributing it to new technology, innovation, and the generosity of donors. The costs associated with the investigation were covered by donors to Othram and the medical examiner’s office. Knight emphasized the importance of providing Mosley with the dignity of a proper burial and expressed her satisfaction in finally being able to lay her to rest with her name.

While the identification of Mosley is a significant development, the investigation into her death is ongoing. The sheriff’s office continues to delve into the circumstances surrounding her demise.

In conclusion, the identification of Lorena Gayle Mosley, after more than two decades, brings hope that justice may be served in this long-standing cold case. The utilization of forensic genetic genealogy and the collaborative efforts of the medical examiner’s office, Othram, and the FBI have shed light on a previously unsolvable mystery. The discovery of Mosley’s identity marks a significant milestone in the investigation, providing closure for her family and the opportunity to move forward with the pursuit of justice..