Identified: A Teen’s Remains From 50 Years Ago

The Oregon State Police have made a significant announcement today, revealing that the remains of a teenager missing for over 50 years have been successfully identified through the use of highly advanced DNA technology. Sandra Young, the young woman who disappeared from Portland in 1968 or 1969, had her remains discovered on Sauvie Island in the Columbia River in 1970.

Dr. Nici Vance, the Human Identification Program Coordinator at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, has confirmed that after 54 years, Sandra Young has finally been identified. This breakthrough was made possible through the collaborative efforts of family members, law enforcement, medical examiner staff, and DNA company Parabon NanoLabs, demonstrating the innovative ways in which the ME’s Office and investigative genetic genealogy can bring closure to families.

The discovery of Young’s remains was made by a Boy Scout troop leader in 1970, and evidence of trauma to her body suggested foul play. However, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death still remain a mystery.

Although a DNA sample was uploaded into a database of DNA profiles in 2004, no genetic associations were found at the time. It was not until a grant awarded to the Oregon State Police Medical Examiner’s Office in 2018 enabled more extensive DNA testing, and in 2021, DNA company Parabon NanoLabs was able to generate a prediction of Young’s facial characteristics.

The breakthrough in the case came in 2023 when a potential distant family member of Young was identified through the genetic genealogy database GEDMatch. Subsequent uploads of DNA by others led to more matches and the development of family trees, ultimately leading to the confirmation of the remains belonging to Sandra Young.

The success of genetic genealogy casework and confirmation testing has been profound, but it comes at a significant cost. According to the police, each case can amount to up to £10,000 in expenses.

The identification of Sandra Young’s remains after over 50 years is a testament to the remarkable advancements in DNA technology and the relentless efforts of law enforcement and forensic experts. While many questions still remain about the circumstances of her disappearance and death, her family can at last find closure knowing that she has been identified and her memory can be honoured.