Remains of 13-year-old girl missing for 50 years identified in California through DNA breakthrough

Nearly 50 years after 13-year-old Laura O’Malley vanished from her home in New York, her remains have been identified in California thanks to cutting-edge DNA technology. But while her name is no longer unknown, the mystery of how and why she ended up across the country remains.

On August 26, 1975, Laura O’Malley left her home in Long Beach, New York, and never returned. She left behind a short, troubling note: she wouldn’t come back as long as her stepfather lived there. Despite her parents splitting up a year later, Laura never came home.

Her siblings never gave up hope. They spent decades putting up flyers and spreading her photo across New York, especially in Manhattan, hoping someone would recognize her. But year after year, no answers came.

A mysterious discovery in California

In 1995—20 years after Laura disappeared—partial human remains were found in a dry riverbed near Highway 129 in Santa Cruz County, California. At first, the bones were thought to be from an old homestead burial, not connected to any recent crime.

It wasn’t until 2016 that tests revealed the remains belonged to a woman. But even then, her identity was still a mystery.

Then came a breakthrough. Radiocarbon dating showed the girl had likely been born between 1964 and 1967 and died between 1977 and 1984. That narrowed the search. She was estimated to be between 13 and 17 years old when she died, possibly with brown hair and of European descent.

DNA solves a decades-old cold case

That’s when Othram, a forensic lab that specializes in DNA analysis, stepped in. Using a method called Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing, scientists managed to build a DNA profile from the deteriorated remains. It was a long shot—but it worked.

Through genetic genealogy, Othram’s team traced family connections and eventually matched the remains to living relatives. In March 2024, nearly 50 years after she vanished, the remains were officially identified as Laura Ann O’Malley.

“This is a major step forward in her case,” Othram said in a statement. “While we don’t yet know what happened to her, identifying her is the first step in finding out.”

Still so many unanswered questions

Authorities still don’t know how or why Laura ended up in California—or how she died. Was she kidnapped? Did she run away and fall into danger? Did someone take advantage of a young girl trying to escape a troubled home?

“There are still a lot of questions,” said Ashley Keehn of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. “We don’t know if she left on her own, was forced to leave, or if someone took her.”

The sheriff’s office credited genealogist Deborah Medina and Deputy Casandra Galotti for their dedication in helping crack the case.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the forensic advancements that made this possible,” the department shared. “We hope this brings some peace to Laura’s family.”

Looking for answers—and justice

Now that her identity is known, investigators are hoping someone will come forward with new information about Laura’s final years. Did someone see her in California in the late 1970s or early 1980s? Was she spotted traveling across the country?

“If this story jogs anyone’s memory—even just a small detail—it could help us figure out what happened to Laura,” Keehn said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office at (831) 471-1121.

Laura O’Malley was just 13 when she disappeared—a girl with her whole life ahead of her. For nearly five decades, her family waited and hoped. Now, they finally have some answers, but many more questions remain.