The search to identify a cold case victim discovered more than 30 years ago is continuing in Riverside County as authorities Tuesday released a facial approximation of the woman.
The body of the female victim was discovered on Oct. 20, 1994 in the open desert on Eagle Mountain Road, half a mile off the 10 Freeway in Desert Center, according to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
The deceased woman was described to be about 5 feet and 2 inches tall, weighing about 130 to 150 pound with brown shoulder-length hair. The victim, between 25 and 35 years old, was found with a yellow necklace with a medallion in the shape of a ship’s wheel with an anchor in the center, the DA’s office said.
“Despite extensive efforts throughout the years, including fingerprint and dental record comparisons, investigators were unable to identify the victim, and no new investigative leads were developed,” the district attorney’s office said.
While the investigation moved sluggishly, a lab in 2024 was able to determine the woman was of a southeast Asian descent with brown eyes, black hair and light brown complexion and generate a possible image of her.
Riverside County authorities also said they have turned to genetic genealogy. Bone samples helped develop the victim’s DNA profile, but authorities did not confirm whether there’s a potential relative found from the DNA analysis.
Officials are asking for the public to come forward with “any leads, no matter how insignificant they may seem” by reaching out to Investigator Ebony Caviness (951) 955 0257 or by emailing coldcaseunit@rivcoda.org.
“Investigators encourage individuals to consider submitting their DNA to reputable ancestry databases, such as Family Tree DNA and GedMatch, as it can play a vital role in identifying unknown victims and advancing cold case investigations,” the district attorney’s office said. “Voluntary DNA submissions help establish familial connections and bring long-awaited answers to families.”