Skull found along Lake Tahoe highway has finally been linked to Donna Lass who disappeared in 1970.
Human remains found decades ago near Lake Tahoe have finally been identified as missing nurse Donna Lass. She was 25 years old when she was reported missing to South Lake Tahoe Police in 1971.
South Lake Tahoe Police Department Press Release Re: Donna Lass Cold Case
South Lake Tahoe, CA – December 27, 2023
A new lead has developed in a cold case. Donna Lass, a female who disappeared from the South Lake Tahoe area in September of 1970, was missing until last week when a familial DNA match was made between a member of Lass’s family and remains located in Placer County in 1986.
Investigators in Placer County notified SLTPD detectives after the DNA match was discovered last week. Investigators contacted Donna Lass’ remaining family members and provided resources during the holidays. Efforts to reexamine the case and discover connections between the SLTPD case and Placer County case are underway.
As technology develops, investigators routinely revisit cases which were previously believed to have no leads. Investigators from the SLTPD have been in contact with the Lass family, and we hope this development leads to closure after many years of searching.
The SLTPD would like to thank the agencies involved in this investigation. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado County District Attorney, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Placer County District Attorney, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and local FBI office all played parts in assembling this investigation, among other agencies and groups too numerous to name.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to email the South Lake Tahoe Police Department Detective Division at [email protected] and reference case 0070-6436.
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