Summary
In July 2001, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) investigators were contacted regarding the discovery of male human remains that were found near the 1-15 and US 93, near Apex Road. An autopsy performed by the Clark County Medical Examiner ruled the death as a homicide. Investigators described the homicide victim as a Caucasian male who was likely 35-45 year of age at the time of his death. The case was entered into NamUs as UP243.
Unfortunately, the remains could not be identified at the time of the autopsy and further testing and investigative work did not produce leads to an identity. With all leads exhausted, the case soon went cold.
In October 2021, LVMPD teamed with Othram to use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to re-analyze the skeletal remains to generate new leads that might identify the homicide victim or at least identify a close family relative. Skeletal remains were sent to Othram and a DNA extract was produced. From the extract, a genealogy profile was generated using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's in-house genealogical team used the profile in a genealogy search to identify distant relatives that could help trace the identity of the homicide victim.
Othram returned investigative leads to LVMPD detectives. The detectives made contact with potential family members and in February 2022, KinSNP® testing at Othram confirmed a biological sister to the homicide victim. At that point, LVMPD was able to confirm that the homicide victim from two decades earlier was Richard Wayne Guarro. Guarro had been reported as a missing person, after he failed to return home from a trip to Las Vegas on November 18, 1996.
Due to the generosity of Audiochuck and work of Othram Labs, the LVMPD has been able to ID Richard Guarro & provide some closure to his family.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) March 10, 2022
Click on the document for more info on this case. Anyone with info is asked to call 702-828-3521 or contact @CrimeStoppersNV pic.twitter.com/EgDmaORbFq
An investigation into Guarro's death continues and more details will be released when possible. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is asking for any assistance from the public regarding this case. Anyone with information on Richard Wayne Guarro is asked to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521 or Crimestoppers at 702-385-5555.
Michael Vogen
Director of Case Management
Michael works with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada on “unsolvable“ cases that can benefit from advanced DNA testing methods. He helps these agencies use cutting edge DNA sequencing and new forensic techniques to develop investigative leads for their cases.