This individual was recently confirmed to have been identified. Some details may change as more information is released publicly.
Denise Gail Cruz was a woman who was found in a wooded area off Old Stagecoach Road in 1980.
She was identified with assistance from Othram in 2023.
Identification[]
Cruz's remains were found in a sleeping bag in the brush off Old Stagecoach Road near Trinidad, California. An autopsy found that she had died from an overdose.
Genetic genealogy led to the identification of Cruz's brother in Colorado in August 2023. This brother indicated that her family had last heard from her in September 1979. Still, she had never been reported missing, as they were unsure whether she had intentionally cut contact with them.
At the time of her death, Cruz was homeless and suffering from mental health issues.
Characteristics[]
- Long reddish brown hair.
- A large triangular skin defect on her outer right thigh with a 'J' shape surgical scar adjoining it.
- A 12cm scar on her right shoulder.
- She may have walked with a limp.
Clothing and accessories[]
- A mid-length, royal blue double-breasted rain jacket with large white buttons.
- A Men's grey turtleneck ski sweater.
- A homemade smock with blue, green and yellow flowers.
- Men's corduroy tan pants.
- Bikini underwear.
- Nike blue suede jogging shoes with white trim.
- Men's socks.
- A blue day pack.
- Three unmarked bottles containing Doxepin and Flurazepam.
Sources[]
- Denise Cruz at the Doe Network
- DNASolves
- KRCR News