Human remains recovered in 1986 identified
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, June 13th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
BENTON COUNTY, Washington – Detectives from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office have released new information regarding partial humans remains recovered near the Blue Bridge in September 1986. Nearly 38 years after being recovered, detectives report those remains have been identified.
The remains, which were laid to rest at a cemetery in Richland, Washington, were exhumed last September. DNA was collected and after a search for potential family matches, a lab determined the DNA was consistent with Patricia Kay Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was reported missing in Yakima in February 1983. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown. Detectives explained information has been difficult to find and witnesses from this period have been difficult to reach.
