Decades-old mystery solved: California man's remains found in Arizona desert finally identified
TL;DR
Authorities have identified the remains of Virgil R. Renner, a California man who went missing in the early 1970s while searching for gold in Nevada. The remains were found in the Arizona desert in 1982 and remained unidentified until advanced DNA testing was conducted. Renner's identity was confirmed using forensic genetic genealogy, and it is still unknown how or why he ended up in Arizona.
- Remains found in Arizona desert in 1982 identified as man who left home to search for gold in Nevada CBS News
- California man's remains found in Arizona in 1982 identified decades later through DNA testing KCRA Sacramento
- Human remains found in Arizona over 40 years ago identified as California man FOX 10 News Phoenix
- Human remains found near Kingman in 1982 identified through advanced DNA testing ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix
- Remains identified 41 years after being found in desert near Kingman Arizona's Family
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