Cold Case Homicide Team seeks public help in identifying woman whose body was found 26 years ago in Beaumont area

RIVERSIDE – It was 26 years ago today, Jan. 27, 1996, that the body of a woman was found near some trash in a hilly area near Gillman Springs Road and Highway 60 in the Beaumont area.

She has still not been identified.

The Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team is asking for the public’s help in finding out who the victim is by releasing photos of some of the jewelry found on the body and a sketch of the woman.

Homicide investigators that responded to the scene 26 years ago believe the victim was murdered just a few hours earlier at that same location – about 20 feet south of eastbound Highway 60 and about a mile and a half east of Gillman Springs Road.

During the autopsy conducted in 1996, a forensic pathologist found that the body had a surgical scar believed to be from a cesarian so Cold Case Team investigators believe the victim may have at least one child who may still be seeking answers about their mother.

Investigators describe the victim as Latina, possibly 30-45 years old, about 5-feet 1-inch tall, weighing about 130 pounds. A forensic dental examination done in 1996 showed her teeth had been well maintained and she received quality dental care. Her clothing was clean and had been well maintained.

Also found on the body were several pieces of jewelry that cold case investigators hope can help identify the woman.

A video about the case and showing the jewelry and where the body was found can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7JwWyPQcl8

Cold Case Homicide Team investigators ask that anyone who may have any information regarding the identity of the woman call (951) 955-2777 or use the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department website homicide tip form here: https://www.riversidesheriff.org/528/Contact-Us

The Regional Cold Case Homicide Team is comprised of members of the DA’s Office Bureau of Investigation, the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner Department, the FBI, and the Riverside Police Department. The team is available to assist in the investigation of cold case homicides for all Riverside County law enforcement agencies.