Summary
On May 11, 2023, the skeletal remains of an unidentified woman were discovered in a wooded area in unincorporated Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. A landscape nursery employee working on an adjacent property made the discvoery in a wooded area near a plant nursery in the 8000 block of South Military Trail and notified law enforcement. Investigators estimated the woman was between 40 and 70 years old.
Despite investigative efforts, including forensic imaging and entry into CODIS, the woman could not be identified. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP110520.
In 2025, investigators with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office submitted evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists worked to develop a DNA extract from the provided evidence, then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the woman. PBSO's forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office detectives. This investigation led to the positive identification of the woman, who is now known to be Regina Hess, born on August 22, 1948. Hess would have been around 74 years old at the time that her remains were found.
Anyone who knew Hess or with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Nancy Milliner of the PBSO Cold Case Unit at 561-688-4003 or MillinerN@pbso.org, or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 1-800-458-8477. Crime Stoppers tips can be made anonymously.
We would like to thank Senator Gayle Harrell, Representative John Snyder, and their colleagues in the Florida legislature for their support and for funding law enforcement agencies so that they can solve these important cases.
This is the 68th publicly announced case in the State of Florida where investigators have used Othram's technology to identify an individual. Learn about other cases by visiting Othram's website.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.