Home / Crime and Justice / 44-Year Cold Case Solved: Real Estate Investor Identified
44-Year Cold Case Solved: Real Estate Investor Identified
16 Jul
Summary
- Remains found in 1981 identified as Thelma Gaston, an 80-year-old investor.
- Investigative genetic genealogy and dental records aided identification.
- Lawrence Remsen, convicted of her murder, is serving a life sentence.
After 44 years, the mystery surrounding skeletal remains found in Riverside County has been solved. The victim has been identified as Thelma Gaston, an 80-year-old wealthy real estate investor who vanished in June 1981. Her disappearance was initially attributed to a search for a missing cat, according to a note left at her home.
The remains were discovered by firewood searchers near Sugar Loaf Mountain on November 28, 1981, and recovered by sheriff's investigators the following day. Due to extensive decomposition, the victim remained an unidentified Jane Doe for decades.
Lawrence Remsen, described as Gaston's "sometime companion," was later accused of her murder, allegedly to gain control of her estate, estimated at $20 million. Remsen was convicted of murder and received a life sentence. He is currently 83 years old and serving his sentence at the California Institution for Men in Chino, with his next parole hearing scheduled for July 2028.
Modern forensic technology, including investigative genetic genealogy and DNA analysis from Othram, a Texas-based laboratory, facilitated the identification. This case marks a significant achievement for Othram, being the first time their forensic DNA technology helped identify an unknown individual.
