Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office in Nevada announced on Thursday that they have made a significant breakthrough in a cold case that has remained unsolved for over two decades. The remains of a woman found buried under rocks in rural Nevada in 1997 have finally been identified, providing investigators with their first lead in the case.
Using the technique of forensic genetic genealogy, the medical examiner’s office partnered with Othram, Inc., a company specializing in this innovative method. Through their collaboration, the woman has been positively identified as Lorena Gayle Mosley, also known as Lorena Gayle Sherwood. At the time of her death, she was 41 years old.
The circumstances surrounding Mosley’s death were mysterious, as the cause of death could not be determined due to severe decompositional changes. However, it was classified as a homicide based on the circumstances surrounding the discovery of her body by rock climbers in rural Washoe County in June 1997.
The investigation initially faced numerous challenges, as investigators struggled to determine even basic details about the victim, such as her hair and eye color. Items and clothes found with the remains were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, and a forensic reconstruction was attempted to visualize what Mosley may have looked like. Unfortunately, these efforts did not yield any leads in the case.
In 2023, the forensic evidence was submitted to Othram, which used genome sequencing to create a comprehensive DNA profile for the remains. This profile was then employed in a genetic genealogy search, which led to investigative leads. The medical examiner’s office also sought assistance from the community in their efforts.
With the assistance of the FBI, a follow-up investigation was conducted, and old paper fingerprint records were matched to fingerprints taken from the body after death. This breakthrough ultimately led to the positive identification of Lorena Gayle Mosley.
The next of kin has been notified, and they now have the opportunity to claim Mosley’s remains. Chief Medical Examiner and Coroner Laura D. Knight expressed her gratitude for the new technology and the generosity of donors that made this breakthrough possible. She emphasized the importance of giving Mosley the dignity of being laid to rest with her name.
While this identification is a significant step forward, the investigation into Mosley’s death is still ongoing. Authorities from the sheriff’s office will continue their efforts to bring justice to this cold case.