Body of Woman Found Along Highway 60 in 1996 Identified After 27 Years
The remains of a woman discovered with significant injuries along Highway 60 in January 1996 have been identified through advancements in genetic genealogy.
Juana Rosas-Zagal, 41, of the Los Angeles area, was identified as the victim nearly three decades after her body was found east of Gilman Springs Road in Moreno Valley.
“This case has been under continuous review since 1996, with various investigators dedicating themselves to uncovering the truth,” shared Investigator Jason Corey of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Despite their efforts, the investigation faced a lack of leads, leaving Juana’s identity a mystery for years. Her body, which had suffered extensive trauma, was initially unrecognizable.
“She was discovered in a remote area near a roadside trash pile by a couple collecting cans early that morning,” Corey explained.
Authorities were finally able to identify Juana through California’s Missing and Unidentified Persons System, with help from Othram, a Texas-based company specializing in DNA analysis.
“Her DNA, collected in 1996, was preserved by the California Department of Justice,” Corey said. “Using current technologies, a profile was created that could be compared to consumer genealogy databases.”
In December 2022, the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team successfully identified Juana through connections to her daughters, who had spent decades searching for their mother.
Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy played a critical role in the identification, enabling investigators to trace ancestral ties through advanced DNA techniques.
The news was bittersweet for Juana’s family, who had long awaited answers. “He didn’t just kill my mother—he destroyed my family,” said Santana, one of Juana’s daughters. “If anyone knows something, please, let us know.”
The person responsible for Juana’s death remains unidentified, but the investigation is ongoing. “Identifying Juana is just part of the journey,” Corey stated. “Now we need to piece together what happened and find who is responsible.”
Detectives believe individuals who knew Juana—friends, neighbors, or colleagues—may hold vital information about her disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at (951) 955-0740 or (951) 955-2777.
This development offers hope that justice can still be served for Juana and her loved ones.