[Case Resolution] Remains from 2008 identified as Maria Eluvia Mendez Morales

Credit: Moxxy Forensic Investigations

Intermountain Forensics is honored to support Moxxy Forensic Investigations, the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, and a compassionate group of supporters in announcing the identification of a teenage girl found deceased in southern Arizona in 2008. After nearly 17 years, she has been confirmed as María Eluvia Méndez Morales, a 16-year-old from San Marcos, Guatemala.

On June 22, 2008, the remains of a Hispanic/Latin American female were discovered on the side of the road in Crow Hang Village, located within the Tohono O’odham Nation. Estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old, the girl was found carrying false Mexican identification under the name “Maria Mendez Morales.”

Years later, Moxxy Forensic Investigations, working closely with the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, launched a crowdfunding campaign to renew efforts to identify the young woman. Intermountain Forensics generated a DNA profile that was uploaded to forensic genealogy databases, enabling the genealogical team to pursue new leads.

Through the skilled work of Investigative Genetic Genealogists and subsequent family confirmation, the remains were identified as María Eluvia Méndez Morales, born January 19, 1992, in San Marcos, Guatemala. She was last seen between April and June 2008, just months before her remains were discovered.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of María Eluvia Méndez Morales.