A breakthrough announcement on Wednesday, California authorities revealed that Donna Lass, missing since 1971, has been identified through a DNA match with human remains discovered 37 years ago. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and Placer County investigators collaborated to make this discovery, providing a glimmer of closure to a case that has puzzled authorities for decades.
The report states that the familial DNA match connecting Donna Lass to the remains found in Placer County in 1986 was a crucial development. The SLTPD, upon learning of the match, reached out to Lass’ family, offering support and resources during the holidays.
The statement from SLTPD mentioned ongoing efforts to establish connections between their case and the Placer County investigation. Technological advancements played a pivotal role, as investigators revisited the cold case, previously deemed unsolvable.
More Read
Donna Lass’s disappearance in 1971 left a lasting mystery, despite prior investigative attempts. The discovery of a human skull near Interstate 80 in 1986 marked a significant turning point. Classified as an unidentified Jane Doe, the skull was preserved, waiting for advancements in technology.
The recent establishment of a cold case team by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and the Placer County District Attorney’s Office showcased the dedication to solving long-standing mysteries. Sending the skull to the California Department of Justice for DNA identification was a strategic move that led to the breakthrough.
The Placer County District Attorney’s Office expressed their unwavering commitment to solving cold cases, assigning an investigator specifically for this purpose. This commitment was validated by the successful DNA match, conclusively identifying the remains as those of Donna Lass.
Donna Lass, a 25-year-old nurse at Sahara-Tahoe casino hotel when she went missing, became a symbol of enduring pain for her family. South Lake Tahoe Police Chief David Stevenson acknowledged the lasting impact on families in such cases, emphasizing that the pain never fades away.
The SLTPD has now called upon the public for any information related to the case, highlighting their collaborative efforts to bring closure to the Lass family. The commitment to solving cold cases remains an ongoing mission for the authorities involved.
