– Oregon teenager missing for 50 years
– Oregon girl found after disappearing for decades.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Authorities in Oregon have finally identified the remains of a body that was discovered over half a century ago as belonging to a high school student from Portland who had been missing since the late 1960s.
Identification of Sandra Young
The remains have been confirmed to be those of Sandra Young, a student at Grant High School in Portland, according to a recent news release from the Oregon State Police.
Back in 1970, the skeletal remains were found buried in a shallow grave by a Boy Scout troop leader. The body was fully decomposed at that point, and a black curly wig was found alongside the remains. It was evident to investigators that foul play was involved due to the trauma on the body.
Advancements in DNA Analysis
Despite efforts to identify the remains over the years, it wasn’t until 2018 that progress was made. The Oregon State Police Medical Examiner’s office received funding to apply innovative DNA techniques on unsolved cases involving unidentified skeletal remains.
Working with Parabon NanoLabs, additional DNA analysis and genetic genealogy were conducted. A DNA Snapshot Report was created, providing insights into the physical characteristics of the individual. The report indicated a mix of West African, South African, and Northern European descent, with specific traits such as brown to dark brown skin, brown eyes, and black hair.
Breakthrough in 2021
In 2021, a deeper genetic analysis was performed, resulting in a prediction of facial features. The recreation of Sandra Young’s face through DNA phenotyping was described as a significant moment by Dr. Nici Vance, the human identification program coordinator at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
It wasn’t until January 2023 that a breakthrough occurred when an individual uploaded their DNA to GEDMatch, leading to the recognition of a potential distant family connection to the unidentified remains. Further analysis and collaboration with family members ultimately confirmed the identity of Sandra Young.
Closure and Ongoing Investigation
Portland Police Bureau detective Heidi Helwig engaged with Young’s sister to verify the identity of the remains. The family’s tragic history, including the loss of another daughter to gun violence in the 1970s, added a somber layer to the case.
The state chief medical examiner officially confirmed the remains as belonging to Sandra Young. An investigation into Young’s death is now underway, shedding light on a cold case that has remained unsolved for decades.
Dr. Vance expressed the significance of the collaboration and innovative DNA techniques in bringing closure to the case after 54 years. The use of investigative genetic genealogy showcases the potential for solving cold cases and providing answers to families seeking closure.
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1. Oregon teen missing over 50 years
2. Oregon teen remains identified after long search.