Remains of Oregon teenager identified after 54 years using advanced genetic genealogy
Share and Follow

The remains of a missing teenager found 54 years ago have finally been identified, the Oregon State Police said. 

Sandra Young was a student at Portland’ Oregon’s Grant High School when she went missing in 1968 or 1969, the Oregon State Police said in a release this week. 

Her skeleton was found by a Boy Scout troop leader in 1970 in a shallow grave on Sauvie Island along the Columbia River along with the tattered remains of her clothing and a black wig.

Investigators said they suspected foul play, but no one has ever been charged in her death. 

“To see her face come to life through DNA phenotyping was striking,” Vance said. 

Last year, someone uploaded their DNA onto GEDMatch, a genetic genealogy and family tree search company, and a match was made with Young. 

oregon state police car

Oregon State Police (Oregon State Police / Facebook)

A genetic genealogist spoke to other family members of Young’s distant relative, encouraging them to upload their DNA and eventually a family tree started to emerge. Relatives said Young had gone missing from Portland either in 1968 or 1969. 

A woman identified as Young’s sister was then interviewed by the Portland Police Bureau. 

“Through a series of informative, poignant, and difficult interviews, Detective [Heidi] Helwig learned that this individual not only lost a teenage sister when Sandra went missing in 1968 or 1969, they also lost a sister to gun violence in the 1970s,” the police said. “The family member was cooperative, supportive, and motivated to determine if the remains could be their sister, Sandra Young.”

In October, a definitive profile determined Sandra “Sandy” Young was born on June 25, 1951, and went missing in 1968 or 1969. 

The Portland Police Bureau has been encouraged by the state police to investigate the circumstances of Young’s death. 

Genetic genealogy casework has been highly successful but can cost up to $10,000 per case. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Lizzo channels Baywatch star Pamela Anderson in iconic red swimsuit

Lizzo pays homage to Pamela Anderson from Baywatch in famous red bathing suit.

Lizzo channeled the Baywatch icon Pamela Anderson in a red, one-piece swimsuit…
How to prepare your pets for when a hurricane makes it rain cats and dogs

Preparing Your Pets for a Hurricane: Tips for Keeping Them Safe in a Storm

HOUSTON (AP) — Getting ready for a hurricane’s landfall means making sure…
Sparks jab Sophie Cunningham over controversial WNBA comments

Sparks slam Sophie Cunningham for controversial WNBA comments

The Los Angeles Sparks didn’t let Sophie Cunningham forget. The Sparks won…
Top West Bank leaders propose leaving Palestinian Authority, recognizing the state of Israel: letter

Key West Bank Officials suggest withdrawing support from Palestinian Authority and acknowledging Israel as a state: communication

A team of five prominent Palestinian officials from the Hebron region in…
Camp Mystic director dies while trying to save kids during Texas flooding

Camp Mystic director dies while trying to save kids during Texas flooding

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The camp director and…
Hollywood Walk of Fame class of 2026: Miley Cyrus, Shaq and more honored

Celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Shaq to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce revealed the 2026 class, including 35 famous…
How my friendship with a serial killer led me to his victims

Discovering the victims through my friendship with a serial killer

Peter Vronsky, a forensic historian, affectionately refers to Richard Cottingham as ‘my…
Mets prove they have needed mettle while weathering brutal injury storm

“Mets show resilience in facing tough injuries”

The scrappy, feisty, big-hearted Mets, with a price tag of $330 million,…