MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP, PA — Police have identified human remains discovered in Walnut Creek as those of a New York woman reported missing last year.
The Millcreek Township Police Department was dispatched to the northern edge of the Millcreek Mall property on Oct. 24, 2024, after the remains were found.
An autopsy determined the remains were those of an adult female who showed no sign of trauma or natural disease.
The remains were sent to a local university for forensic anthropological analysis.
Police then worked with Othram Inc., a Texas-based company specializing in forensic genetic genealogy.
DNA was extracted from the remains and analyzed before being compared to publicly-accessible DNA profiles.
Genealogists at Othram and investigators at Millcreek Township and Erie police departments worked to build out possible genetic networks.
As potential relatives were identified, police conducted phone interviews searching for persons willing to submit their DNA for analysis.
A genetic network centered around McKean and Potter counties in Pennsylvania and Cattaraugus County in New York was identified.
Two additional DNA samples were submitted to Othram by potential relatives.
Those samples allowed Othram to conclusively determine the remains were those of Rebecca L. Hakes, of Olean, New York.
Hakes was reported missing by relatives in the third quarter of 2024, according to the Olean Police Department.
