Remains found in shallow grave identified as missing mother

LAS VEGAS, NV – In a breakthrough for a decades-old mystery, a woman buried in a shallow grave more than 20 years ago in the Las Vegas area has finally been identified. The discovery was made possible through advances in DNA technology, offering a glimmer of hope for her family and investigators seeking justice.

The victim, a mother of four named Virginia Jackson, had moved to the Las Vegas area in the mid-1990s, hoping to provide a better life for her children. However, her dreams were cut short when she suddenly disappeared, leaving her family in turmoil.

Jackson’s remains were discovered in 2001 near Sunset and Pat Cohen Roads in the southeast valley, but her identity remained a mystery until late last year. A Texas forensic lab was able to identify her using a piece of bone and advanced DNA and genealogy techniques.

Cold case investigator Terry Miller expressed the challenges in understanding the motives behind the crime. “It’s hard to know if the person who did this feels any remorse,” Miller said. “What we do know is that they buried a mother of four in the desert, which is a heinous act.”

Before her disappearance, Jackson had faced difficult times, leading her to place three of her children in foster care. Her family recalls that she regularly visited her children until one day, she stopped coming, leaving them to wonder about her fate.

Michael Bogan, who works with the forensic company involved in identifying Jackson, emphasized the importance of their work. “We strive to bring resolution to cases that have been unresolved for far too long,” Bogan said. “We never stop trying to uncover the truth.”

Investigators are now focused on finding anyone who knew Jackson during her time in Las Vegas, particularly a friend named Eva or Ava, who may have information about her last days. Miller hopes the public can help, saying, “Someone out there might remember Virginia or know who she associated with.”

The identification of Jackson’s remains has brought some closure to her children, who now know that their mother did not abandon them but was tragically taken from them. The revelation has been difficult for the family to process after all these years.

Records indicate Jackson relocated to Las Vegas from the San Antonio, Texas area, living about six miles from where her remains were found. With her identity confirmed, the search for her killer continues, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact Metro Police or Crime Stoppers, where a reward is being offered for tips leading to an arrest.