[Case Resolution] Remains from 1987 identified as Catherine Neely

Intermountain Forensics is honored to join the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (AZ), DNAHawkshaw Genetic Genealogy, and other agency partners in announcing the identification of an unidentified woman found in 1987. Through the efforts of this outstanding team, she has now been confirmed as Catherine Neely.

On January 7, 1987, the remains of an unidentified woman were discovered in a remote desert area near Stanfield, Arizona. Despite investigative efforts, including the development of a forensic facial sketch and DNA entry into CODIS, her identity remained unknown.

In 2024, thanks to funding support raised by DNAHawkshaw Genetic Genealogy and its agency partners, biological samples from the case were submitted to Intermountain Forensics for Whole Genome Sequencing. We then developed a SNP DNA profile, which was subsequently uploaded to GEDmatch Pro and DNA Justice for comparison.

Through the tireless efforts of the genetic genealogy team and investigators, the team was able to make the identification and confirmation of Ms. Catherine Neely.

Intermountain Forensics extends our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ms. Neely.