Summary
In February 2021, Watrous RCMP received a report of human remains located in the RM of Morris, SK. Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes took carriage of the investigation. Since then, Major Crimes has been working to identify the remains, in conjunction with Watrous RCMP, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Forensic Identification Services, Police Dog Services, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service and a forensic anthropologist.
In March 2022, investigators enlisted the assistance of Othram, from The Woodlands, Texas. Remains were sent to Othram and Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified woman. Othram's in-house genealogy team used the profile to develop investigative leads that were returned to the law enforcement investigators. Using the leads, the investigators were able to determine the deceased individual had closely-related relatives in the Red Deer, AB area.
Further investigation by Major Crimes determined the remains likely belonged to a woman from Red Deer, who was last seen there in January 2021. She had not been reported missing to police. In January 2023, Saskatchewan RCMP Forensic Identification Services conclusively determined the human remains belong to Kassandra Jorquera, who would have been 27 years old at the time of her death. Her family has been notified.
Major Crimes continues to investigate the circumstances of Kassandra’s death, which investigators have determined is suspicious in nature. Investigators want to speak with anyone who has information about Kassandra’s death, or has knowledge of her activities in and around January 2021. Kassandra often frequented Red Deer and is known to have been there in January 2021. She also visited Grande Prairie periodically. Her connection to Saskatchewan is unknown at this time.
Investigators are releasing her photo and description to help advance this investigation. Kassandra was approximately 5’5” and 110 lbs. She had shoulder-length dark brown hair and brown eyes. Her family describes her as having “beautiful” teeth. “Since February 2021, we’ve worked diligently to identify the person located deceased. We now know it’s Kassandra. Our work continues: we need to retrace all of her steps in January 2021,” says Sgt. Ryan Boogaard from Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “I know it was some time ago, but we’re asking people – particularly in the Red Deer area – to take a look at her picture and think back. Did you know Kassandra? Did you speak with her or encounter her in the weeks after New Year’s 2021? You may have a piece of the puzzle that will help us determine what happened to her in those final weeks of her life.”
Anyone with information on Kassandra’s death, or whereabouts in and around January 2021, should contact Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes at 639-625-4535. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
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.