Power County, ID – Human remains discovered along the Fort Hall River in 2022 have been identified as those of Lesiah Olivia Pickett, a woman missing from Spokane, Washington, since late 2019. The breakthrough comes nearly three years after a fisherman found a human skull in Power County, prompting a multi-agency investigation.
According to the Power County Sheriff’s Office, the remains were officially identified on June 26, 2025, after extensive forensic and investigative work by the Idaho State Police Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Team, NamUs, the FBI, and several local agencies. The remains were matched to Pickett through dental records and DNA analysis following the entry of the skull into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System in May.
Pickett was last reported seen in American Falls, Idaho, on October 4, 2019, and later in Pocatello on October 20, 2019. Authorities noted she may have been a transient, previously residing in Ogden, Utah. No signs of trauma were found on the remains, and the family has been notified of the identification.
Sheriff Joshua Campbell of Power County said, “This identification reflects the power of teamwork, science, and tenacity. We are grateful to have worked alongside our local and federal partners to bring some measure of peace to Ms. Pickett’s family. Cold cases take time, trust, and collaboration.”
Authorities continue to seek the public’s help in the case. Anyone who saw Lesiah Olivia Pickett after October 20, 2019, or has information on her whereabouts in southeastern Idaho or the surrounding areas, is urged to contact the Power County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 226-2311.
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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