Portland, Oregon – For over half a century, the identity of a young woman found buried in Sauvie Island remained a mystery. Recently, through advanced DNA technology, authorities were able to identify her as Sandra Young, a teenager from Portland who went missing between 1968 and 1969. This breakthrough came after a person uploaded their DNA to a genealogy database, leading to the discovery that the DNA donor was a distant family member of Young.
Young, who attended Grant High School in Portland, was between 16 and 18 years old when she disappeared. Oregon State Police, in collaboration with a genetic genealogist, were able to track down Young’s relatives after identifying her through DNA technology. With the help of family members, it was confirmed that Young had gone missing around the same time her skeletal remains were discovered in Sauvie Island.
The case of Sandra Young highlights the importance of utilizing advanced DNA technology in solving cold cases and bringing closure to families. The breakthrough in identifying Young has prompted the Portland Police Bureau to further investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. Young’s nephew, Lorikko Burkett Gibbs, emphasized the need for justice, stating that the perpetrator must be held accountable for their actions.
Over the years, cases of missing persons have disproportionately affected communities of color. In the United States, a significant number of missing individuals, particularly Black youth and women, have been reported. Despite accounting for only 13% of the population, Black individuals make up close to 40% of all missing persons cases, underscoring the need for increased awareness and resources in addressing these disparities.
Moving forward, authorities continue to work towards resolving cold cases and bringing closure to families impacted by unresolved disappearances. The identification of Sandra Young serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing efforts to solve mysteries and seek justice for victims of unsolved crimes.