Law enforcement officials in southern California have identified the remains of a Los Angeles millionaire who disappeared more than four decades ago.
The Riverside County Sheriff confirmed that investigators used genetic genealogy and dental records to determine that the remains found near Sugarloaf Mountain belonged to Thelma Gaston.
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Gaston vanished at age 80 in June 1981, prompting a homicide investigation.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office later prosecuted her former companion, Lawrence Remsen, for allegedly murdering the widow to acquire her $20 million estate.
Remsen, then 40, received a life sentence after being convicted of second-degree murder.
The identification brings resolution to the decades-old mystery.
"The Riverside Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau extends its sincere appreciation to everyone whose dedication, expertise, and perseverance made this identification possible," the agency said.
"Together, these efforts have ensured that Ms Gaston has her name – and her story – returned to her."
Gaston amassed her wealth by buying and selling repossessed properties after her husband and son died in the 1950s.
Her sudden disappearance involved a note left on her door claiming she was searching for her cat, according to a 1981 Los Angeles Times report.
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Police focused on Remsen, a former carpet salesman who had recently connected with Gaston.
Officers found Gaston's Mercedes at Remsen's apartment and alleged he tried to liquidate more than $1 million of her property.
