Skull found on California beach is finally identified after 32 years

Part of a human skull discovered on a Northern California beach more than 32 years ago was just identified as a woman who went missing five years earlier, authorities said.

In 1993, a man found the partial human skull on a beach near the city of Trinidad, roughly 80 miles south of the Oregon state line, and reported it to police, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office. Forensic anthropologists at the time analyzed a DNA sample from the bone but were unable to find a match.

Over three decades later and with funds allocated by U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman last year, the sheriff's office said it partnered with forensic genealogy firm Othram to help clear up a backlog of unidentified human remains cases. Using forensic genetic genealogy, the company managed to build a comprehensive DNA profile that listed genetic relatives, including a possible daughter.

By last September, results pointed to the remains belonging to a woman named Kay Josephine Medin, who went missing in 1987. The sheriff's office said investigators located the daughter, who shared a DNA sample that confirmed Medin's identity.

"This week, Josephine Medin's loved ones got the answers they've needed for 32 years since her disappearance. I hope this discovery helps them find peace and closure," Huffman wrote May 7 on X.

Kay's disappearance was quickly reported suspicious

Years before the skull sighting on the beach, Kay Josephine Medin was reported missing to the Trinity County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 3, 1987 by her husband, Nickolas Medin.

Upon returning home from a business trip, he told authorities his wife was nowhere to be found, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

Officials searched the home, but only found her purse and personal property, the sheriff's office said. Authorities contacted Kay's friends and family. Her doctor told officials she had no severe medical issues and her boss said Kay's spirits had been up around the time.

Anonymous letter directed police to Kay's remains

Nearly four months later, the sheriff's office received a package through U.S. mail containing skeletal remains and an anonymous letter with directions to more human remains.

Detectives went to the listed location and uncovered more human remains, which were later identified as Kay after using dental records, the sheriff's office said. A death certificate was issued the following year, however she stayed on the missing persons list as there was no complete body recovery, according to the sheriff's office.

Kay's death is still an open case, so the sheriff's office urges anyone with information to contact the office at (707) 441--3024.