Texas authorities say advanced DNA analysis has identified previously unidentified remains as those of Kristen Galvan, a Houston-area teenager who disappeared in January 2020 at age 15. The identification resolves one part of the case, but the underlying homicide investigation remains open.

According to the Texas Office of the Attorney General, the Missouri City Police Department asked the state cold-case unit for help in November 2022. The remains had been recovered on January 29, 2020, and an examination indicated they belonged to a girl between 13 and 18 years old. Their condition prevented investigators from developing a conventional STR DNA profile.

The state unit worked with the University of North Texas, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Doe Network, Bode Technology and Astrea Forensics. Officials said mitochondrial DNA provided early leads and later forensic investigative genetic genealogy produced the positive identification.

Authorities have not released possible-suspect information or other case details because the criminal investigation is continuing. The identification should not be read as proof against any person. Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Texas attorney general’s Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit; anonymous tips are accepted.

Source: Texas Office of the Attorney General ↗

Source: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children case poster ↗