Body Found In 2008 On Tohono O’odham Nation Identified As Maria Eluvia Mendez Morales

After nearly two decades, the unidentified remains of a teenager found in 2008 on the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona have been positively identified as Maria Eluvia Mendez Morales, born January 19, 1992, in San Marcos, Guatemala. She was just 16 years old at the time of her death.

On June 22, 2008, the body of a Hispanic/Latin American female, estimated to be between 15 and 20-years-old, was discovered on the side of the road in Crow Hang Village. The decedent was found with fraudulent Mexican identification papers under the name “Maria Mendez Morales.” At the time, authorities were unable to confirm the name or identity, though the photograph on the ID was believed to be hers.

With no confirmed identity and limited leads, Jane Doe went unidentified. Moxxy Forensic Investigations, in collaboration with the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, launched a crowdfunding campaign, and a new hope emerged. Nearly 60 contributors from across the country came together to fully fund all costs associated with her case. “This is a case that represents the power of community,” said Kaycee Connelly, Investigative Genetic Genealogist and Co-Founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations. “Thanks to the generosity of strangers and the dedication of our partners, Maria finally has her name back and her family now has Maria back.

The identification was confirmed by her family, concluding that the young woman was indeed Maria Mendez Morales from San Marcos, Guatemala. Méndez Morales was last seen between April and June 2008 in San Marcos, Guatemala.

“Investigative genetic genealogy is transforming the way we identify unidentified human remains, offering a voice to those who died seeking a better life and a measure of closure to the families left behind”, said Katie Thomas, Investigative Genetic Genealogist and Co- Founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations.