Lorena Gayle Mosley: Body found under rocks in Nevada in 1997 identified as 41-year-old woman

RENO, NEVADA: The Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office announced on Friday, December 1, that a set of human remains found under rocks in Nevada 26 years ago has been identified as 41-year-old Lorena Gayle Mosley.

The case that had remained cold since 1997 has finally had its first big break thanks to advances in technology, as per CNN.

Lorena Gayle Mosley's body was discovered by rock climbers in 1997 in Nevada

The case dates back to June 9, 1997, when rock climbers discovered a female body in Washoe County, Nevada. An autopsy was conducted at the time, but not much could be concluded due to “severe decompositional changes to her body,” according to the medical examiner’s office.

The death was ruled a homicide “due to the circumstances” but authorities were unable to identify the victim or determine the cause of death.

“This is the first lead in over 20 years on this cold case, made possible through new technology and innovation, and the generosity of donors,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr Laura D Knight at a recent press conference. “I am deeply gratified to be able to give Ms. Mosley the dignity of being laid to rest with her name.”

Next of kin notified to collect Mosley's remains

After 26 years with no leads, a partnership between the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office and DNA technology company Othram Inc finally led to a breakthrough earlier this year.

By comparing the victim's DNA profile to appropriate databases, Othram identified the remains as belonging to 41-year-old Lorena Gayle Mosley. Following the identification, Mosley's next of kin was notified to collect her remains.

The identification was made possible thanks to donations to a fundraiser on DNASolved.com which covered the costs of the advanced testing. The fundraiser also noted several key items found with Mosley’s body in 1997, including a pair of dark blue jeans, size 5.5 gray and white shoes, white socks, and a black padded jacket. She was reportedly wearing multiple rings, a bracelet, and watch when discovered.

Lorena Gayle Mosley's cause of death undetermined

With the victim now identified, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing and urges anyone with information to come forward. Mosley was described as having brown hair and being about 5-foot-2 when she died, but other identifying details could not be determined.

“Due to the condition of the woman's remains, the cause of her death could not be determined,” the DNASolved fundraiser states.

The identification finally brings some closure to family members, who have claimed Mosley’s remains.