Remains identified for woman found north of Fallon

The Washoe County Medical Examiner’s office has positively identified a woman whose remains were found in the desert north of Fallon in 2008.

According to the examiner’s office, the woman was identified as Betty Lou Japel, who was 70 years old at the time of her death. She was identified through genetic genealogy that compared her DNA profile to other profiles loaded to genealogical databases.

“While this type of analysis does not yield a positive identification, it can produce investigative leads,” reported Washoe County in a media release.

Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox said his agency was initially contacted on May 19, 2008, by two passersby regarding human remains discovered in a gravel pit east of U.S. 95 north of Fallon. Despite the beginning of a death investigation, Churchill County was unable to identify the remains. Japel’s body was then transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s office where an autopsy was performed.

The medical examiner’s office determined Japel had been killed with multiple gunshot wounds. Hickox said the CCSO was notified last year that an identification had been made.

Othram’s familial genetic genealogy services, which conducted the DNA testing and research, cost several thousand dollars, and Washoe County said the services were made possible by a combination of funding from the medical examiner’s Office and private donors. Furthermore, Texas-based author and journalist Joe Pappalardo also donated the remaining funding needed to perform the testing on Japel.

“This is the second unidentified person from a cold case that we have been able to identify due to this partnership and the generosity of members of the public,” said Washoe County Chief Medical Examiner and Coroner Dr. Laura D. Knight. “I am pleased we were able to provide Ms. Japel’s family with the ability to claim her remains and find some degree of closure.”

Hickox expressed his deep sorrow to the Japel family for their loss.

“I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Othram Inc. for their hard work, and diligence in conducting the DNA testing and research,” he said. “My gratitude extends to Joe Pappalardo and all those generous souls who donated to make this possible.”