Summary
On November 28, 1981, passersby gathering firewood in the mountainous area near Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Pinyon Crest community discovered what appeared to be a shallow grave after their dogs alerted to the location. They observed a human skull, hair, and skeletal remains partially exposed through the soil and immediately notified authorities.
The following day, Riverside County Sheriff's Office personnel responded and recovered the remains located approximately 300 yards north of Highway 74 and approximately three-quarters of a mile east of the California Division of Forestry Station at Sugar Loaf, near mile marker 81.33. Due to the advanced state of decomposition and evidence of animal scavenging, investigators were unable to identify the victim despite extensive efforts available at the time.
For more than 40 years, the victim remained unidentified. Details of the case were entered into NamUs as UP7276.
In 2024, advances in forensic science and funding provided by the Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) grant gave investigators a new opportunity to revisit the case. On November 26, 2024, the victim's remains were exhumed by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office Coroner's Bureau for additional forensic examination. DNA samples from the human remains were submitted to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas in 2026.
At Othram, scientists worked to develop a comprehensive DNA profile for the woman using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. This profile was then used by law enforcement in a forensic genetic genealogy search. This yielded new leads in the case, allowing investigators to identify the victim as Thelma Gaston, who was murdered in Los Angeles County on or about June 28, 1981.
The Los Angeles Police Department investigated this case in 1981 and identified the suspect as Lawrence Remsen, who later admitted to killing and disposing of Ms. Gaston's body. Remsen concealed her disappearance while falsely representing that she remained alive to steal money from her estate. Ms. Gaston’s body was never recovered. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this as a no body homicide case. Remsen was later convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
This is the 85th publicly-announced case in California where officials used Othram's technology to assist in the identification of an individual. You can explore other cases at Othram here.
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.