Albert Matas : “California man found in Nevada desert identified after 40 years”

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

The Discovery of a Homicide Victim in the Nevada Desert

In a recent development, authorities have announced the identification of a homicide victim found in the Nevada desert over 40 years ago. The victim has been identified as Albert Matas of Commerce, California, through the use of DNA evidence. Matas had been out of contact with his family since September 1978.

The Tragic Incident

In October 1980, Nye County Sheriff’s deputies discovered the remains of an unidentified adult male on a dirt road approximately a mile east of Interstate 95 and around 60 miles south of Tonopah, Nevada. The investigation revealed that the man had been a victim of homicide, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The Search for Answers

Despite efforts to identify the victim through various means such as dental records, fingerprints, news releases, and evidence collected from the scene, authorities were unable to make any headway. The Nevada State Police entered the victim’s mitochondrial DNA into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System in a bid to solve the case.

Advanced DNA Testing

With no leads in sight, the FBI, Nevada State Police, and NamUS enlisted the help of Othram, a company specializing in forensic genealogy, to conduct advanced DNA testing on the remains of the unidentified man. This collaboration eventually led to the positive identification of the victim as Albert Matas in December 2023.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have not disclosed the reason for the delay in releasing Matas’ identity to the public. The investigation into his death is still ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Nevada State Police at 775-684-7456.

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