Rural Hall, NC — After nearly six years of investigation, authorities in Forsyth County have positively identified a woman whose skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area near University Parkway in Rural Hall.
According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the remains were found on September 10, 2019, in the 6000 block of University Parkway. A hunter made the discovery, prompting a search of the surrounding area. At the time, investigators were unable to determine the victim’s identity or cause of death.
Forensic examination later revealed the bones had likely been in the woods for approximately seven months, according to a forensic anthropologist. When traditional forensic methods failed to identify the victim, the case was referred to the DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit organization that uses investigative genetic genealogy to identify unknown deceased individuals.
Through extensive DNA testing and genealogical research, investigators were able to identify the woman as Maria del Socorro Medina Trejo, a 43-year-old Hispanic female. Authorities said she had lived in Winston-Salem, just a short distance from where her remains were discovered.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office credited the collaboration between detectives, scientists, and the DNA Doe Project for the breakthrough. Sheriff’s officials emphasized that this identification marks only the first step in the investigation.
“This is the first step in bringing justice to the family,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement, adding that the case will remain open until all leads have been thoroughly investigated and the case can be officially closed.
Investigators are still reviewing circumstances surrounding her death and are asking anyone with information related to the case or any criminal activity to contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.
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• Call FCSO: 336-727-2112
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• Juvenile Intervention Team (JIT): 336-917-7030
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This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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