Home / Crime and Justice / 40-Year Cold Case Solved: Missing Woman's Skull Found
40-Year Cold Case Solved: Missing Woman's Skull Found
10 Jun
Summary
- Skull fragment found in Washington identified as missing woman.
- Patricia Colyer vanished from Tacoma 40 years ago in 1986.
- DNA from a relative over 20 years old led to the identification.
In a remarkable breakthrough, a skull fragment discovered in Chelan County on May 10, 2025, has been positively identified as Patricia L. Colyer, a resident of Tacoma who went missing 40 years ago. Colyer was last seen on July 4, 1986, and subsequently reported missing.
The partial cranium was found in a wooded area along Entiat River Road. Extensive searches involving Chelan County Emergency Management, detectives, Search and Rescue volunteers, and specialized K9 units were conducted, but no other remains were located.
The identification was made possible by a DNA sample provided by a relative more than 20 years ago. Due to the fragmented nature of the remains, Chelan County Coroner Earl Crowe stated that a manner of death could not be determined, listing the cause as undetermined. The investigation has now been transferred to the Tacoma Police Department, with no current leads or suspects.
