DNA Technology Helps Identify Skeletal Remains Found in Nevada After More Than 30 Years

NEVADA – After more than three decades, the identity of a woman whose skeletal remains were discovered in a remote area of Nevada has finally been determined. According to authorities, the remains were found by hikers in Hilltop Canyon, located about 13 miles east of Battle Mountain in Lander County, on February 25, 1990. The remains were confirmed to be that of a female, but efforts to identify her proved futile.

However, in June 2022, the Nevada State Police’s Investigation Division and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) teamed up with Othram Inc. to use advanced forensic DNA testing to establish the woman’s identity or that of a close relative. With funding from NamUs, the Research Triangle Institute, and the National Institute of Justice, the skeletal remains were sent to Othram for analysis.

Using forensic genetic genealogy, Othram’s genealogy team was able to produce investigative leads, which were then passed on to Nevada State Police detectives. Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing was then used to extract DNA from the remains, which was then used to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified woman.

After further investigation, the woman was identified as Judy Manzaneras, a 19-year-old Salt Lake City, Utah resident who had been missing since 1989. Her cause of death was determined to be homicide.

Authorities are now urging anyone with information regarding this case to come forward and contact the Nevada State Police Investigation Division at 775-684-7412.

Credits: Carson Now