Mysterious human skull found 32 years ago on California beach identified
Share this @internewscast.com

(KRON) — A forensic genetic genealogy team has uncovered a mystery behind a partial human skull found 32 years ago on a beach in Northern California.

The woman’s skull was spotted near Trinidad Head, a rocky structure in Trinidad Harbor, in 1993. At the time, a traditional DNA profile was developed and entered into the National Unidentified Person DNA Index, and no match was made.

In 2024, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office submitted evidence to Othram’s laboratory in Texas, hoping that advanced DNA testing could identify the woman. Othram scientists developed a DNA extract from the skeletal evidence and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a new DNA profile for the unknown woman.

Several months later, Othram provided HCSO with new leads.

“Investigators used this report to launch a follow-up investigation and locate a potential relative. The California Department of Justice compared the relative’s DNA profile to the DNA profile developed from the skull, which confirmed that the skull belonged to Kay Josephine Medin,” DNASolves.com, a website affiliated with Othram, Inc., wrote Monday.

Kay Medin also went by the name Kay Adams. She was reported missing in August 1987 after she vanished from her home in Trinity County.

Medin worked as a school teacher in Hyampom, and her boss said she was in good spirits the last time he saw her.

Trinidad Head beach (Getty Images / File)

The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office listed Kay’s disappearance as suspicious.

“In November of 1987, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a package in the US mail. The package contained skeletal remains and an anonymous letter. The letter gave directions leading to more human remains. The directions lead to a location near Ammon Ridge Road in Humboldt County. Detectives responded to the location given in the letter and discovered additional human remains, about 45 miles west of her home. These remains were later identified as belonging to Kay Medin through a comparison of dental records,” DNASolves.com wrote.

A death certificate was issued for Kay Medin in 1988 while her skull was still missing.

“It is unclear how the majority of her remains were found 45 miles from her home or how her skull was found almost 100 miles away,” DNASolves.com wrote.

Today, her death remains an unsolved homicide cold case.

Kristen Mittelman, chief development officer for Othram Labs, said, “We’re proud to be able to help investigators give these victims their names back, and hopefully move the investigation forward toward resolution. That’s the most important thing.”

Anyone with information that could help solve this cold case is encouraged to call the Humboldt Sheriff’s Office.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Senate Begins Marathon Voting Session on GOP Bill; Two Firefighters Tragically Killed in Ambush: Morning Update

Today, the Senate will initiate its ‘vote-a-rama’ on Donald Trump’s policy bill.…

“Our World Stands Still: Family Reflects on 2-Year Anniversary of Daughter’s Disappearance”

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) Becky Mitchell is living the nightmare of her…

Trump Shows Note to Powell: ‘You’ve Cost the US a Fortune’

President Trump on Monday shared a handwritten note to Federal Reserve Chair…

Increase in Canceled July 4th Celebrations in California Due to Immigration Raids

(KTLA) – More Southern California communities have canceled or postponed their 4th…

Boy Passes Away, Father Sentenced Following Foster Family’s Ignored Warning

Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of domestic violence. Reader discretion is…

BREAKING | Two Injured in Shooting on I-20 in Richmond County

AUGUSTA, Ga ()- Two people were injured when their vehicle was shot…

Revised Senate Bill Cuts Support for Wind and Solar, Introduces New Tax

An updated draft of the Senate’s megabill text slashes tax incentives for…

Democrats Scramble to Justify Their Party’s Past Amid Criticism Over Iran

Democrats bashing President Trump for striking Iran without congressional consent are bumping…

Jury Set to Start Deliberations in Sex Trafficking Case Involving Sean “Diddy” Combs

NEW YORK (AP) — A jury will begin deliberations on Monday in…

CBO: Republican Senate Tax Bill Projected to Increase US Debt by $3.3 Trillion

WASHINGTON – According to a fresh analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget…

Tampa ranks as one of the priciest cities for renters requiring childcare, says Redfin.

(Redfin) – Rents are high, and childcare is getting even more expensive.…

Hong Kong’s Security Measures Affect Small Businesses Beyond Arrests

HONG KONG – Pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong has largely been subdued…