Advanced DNA testing has solved a 25-year-old mystery, identifying skeletal remains found in Sandoval County in 1999 as 19-year-old Jeanette Maria De La Cruz.
The Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that four cold cases have been resolved in the past 18 months, representing 83% of the agency’s backlog. The identification of De La Cruz marks one of several breakthroughs achieved through forensic genetic genealogy.
Hunters discovered the unidentified woman’s remains on Nov. 16, 1999, in a rural area approximately four miles west of Route 550 near San Ysidro. Despite recovering a blanket and clothing fragments, investigators were unable to determine her identity for more than two decades.
De La Cruz was last seen Oct. 20, 1999, and was reported missing by the Corrales Police Department on Oct. 27, 1999. Her father, Christopher De La Cruz, filed the report after being unable to contact his daughter or locate her at a residence in Corrales.
In November 2024, the sheriff’s office and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator submitted forensic evidence to Othram, a Texas-based laboratory specializing in advanced DNA testing. Scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile, which genealogists then used to develop investigative leads.
A reference DNA sample from a relative confirmed the identification through rapid relationship testing in June 2025, according to Detective Donald Chewning, who leads cold case investigations for the sheriff’s office.
Investigators determined De La Cruz likely died of a suspected heroin and cocaine overdose at a Corrales residence. Two men admitted they panicked after discovering her body in a bathtub and moved it to public lands for burial, fleeing when an unknown vehicle approached.
Their statements were corroborated by a police informant in 2010. The 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and declined prosecution due to insufficient evidence and the age of the incident.
“Officials and law enforcement never forgot about this case and they spent decades doing everything possible to solve it,” said Kristen Mittelman, chief development officer at Othram. “And now they’ve been able to provide answers about what happened to the family and the community.”
Undersheriff Joe Gonzales emphasized the agency’s commitment to identifying deceased individuals found in the county.
“These cases are a priority and will not be ignored,” Gonzales said. “Our expanded staff, dedicated to these cases, uses a combination of forensics, advanced technology and resources powered by law enforcement expertise and experience in detective work.”
The identification effort was funded partially through crowdfunding and by the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, a program administered by the National Institute of Justice.
The sheriff’s office also announced progress on three other cases:
- Kimo Mahi, whose skeletal remains were found in May 2001 in Santa Fe National Forest, was identified in July 2025 through DNA technology. Born in 1931, he was last seen by family in 1992. His death remains under investigation.
- Hector Manuel Ramirez Jr., whose remains were discovered in October in Cibola National Forest, was identified in November through DNA matching. The homeless man had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was not reported missing. His death is not considered suspicious.
- Steven Overton, reported missing in August 2022, was identified in January through dental records after hikers found skeletal remains in Cibola National Forest on Dec. 31, 2025. His death is not considered suspicious.
A fifth case remains unsolved. Remains of an unidentified female — dubbed “Sandoval Star” — were found in April 2023 along Route 165 in Cibola National Forest. The sheriff’s office plans to provide an update on that case this spring.
Anyone with information about unsolved cases can call the dedicated tip line at 505-867-7350 or visit the Sandoval County Unsolved Cases Facebook page.