DNA Analysis Identifies Napa Woman's Remains After 12 Years

Human remains found in a Redding canal in 2013 have been identified as Velma Louise Silva Lee, a woman from Napa who had not been reported missing. Initial investigations could only determine the victim was a middle-aged to older woman, but no DNA matches were found in state and national databases. In 2023, the Shasta County Coroner's Office partnered with Texas-based forensic lab Othram, which used advanced forensic genetic genealogy to develop a DNA profile and trace family lineage, leading to the identification of Lee. Authorities contacted relatives, including her son, who confirmed that after years without contact, the family had hired a private investigator but could not verify her status after 2004, resulting in her being declared legally dead. The breakthrough was achieved through DNA comparison with relatives and genealogical research, providing closure to a decade-old mystery. This case highlights the growing role of forensic genetic genealogy in resolving cold cases where traditional methods have failed.