ADVANCED DNA TECHNOLOGY HELPS ID WOMAN IN 1999 CASE

Published on February 14, 2024

A 25-year-old mystery has been solved by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) through advanced DNA technology.

In 1999, unidentified human remains were found near the Bumble Bee Road exit from I-17 north of Black Canyon City. The remains, thought to be those of a male, were sent to the county Medical Examiner’s Office and fingerprints were obtained. However, after a search of DPS and FBI records at the time, no match was found.

In 2018 YCSO Cold Case Investigations asked the FBI to do another fingerprint search, and this time there was a match...to a female. Cold Case investigators contacted her family members, who agreed to submit DNA for comparison. Eventually an exhumation order was obtained for the remains, the DNA comparison was analyzed, and a positive identification was made of Judy Glascock of Ventura, CA.

Investigators say it is difficult to pinpoint her age, but she was likely in her late 30s. Cause of death is still unknown, but during the autopsy in 1999 there was no evidence of homicide or violence.

"I commend our Cold Case Investigations unit for their tireless work, and for bringing closure to this family”, said Sheriff David Rhodes.