Woman Identified 35 Years After Being Found Dead in Motel. How College Students Helped Authorities Solve the Mystery

The long-standing mystery surrounding the identity of a woman found deceased in a New Mexico motel room in June 1991 has finally been resolved, thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and a group of students from Ramapo College in New Jersey. The victim, who had been known as “Becca Doe” for decades, has been identified as Becca Mallekoote, who was just 18 years old at the time of her tragic death.

The Albuquerque Police Department announced the confirmation of Mallekoote’s identity following a recent reopening of the case in December 2025. Authorities conducted a thorough investigation back in 1991, but despite the examination of personal belongings and interviews, her identity remained elusive. The police had initially closed the case, ruling the death as a suicide, and the victim was labelled Becca Doe based on information suggesting her name was “Becca.”

The case saw a renewed focus when Albuquerque police collaborated with multiple agencies, including the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. The Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Center also joined the efforts, utilising forensic samples for analysis. The Centre has been instrumental in unearthing identities of missing individuals through advanced genetic techniques.

In January, after extensive forensic investigation, the IGG Center submitted DNA samples to Genelogue, a genetic genealogy firm based in Atlanta, which facilitated the extraction and sequencing of Mallekoote’s genome. This scientific approach enabled the generation of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profile that was subsequently uploaded to GEDmatch Pro.

Within mere days, Ramapo College staff identified a potential match for “Becca.” Tests conducted on a relative confirmed that the remains belonged to Becca Mallekoote, coincidentally unveiling her name on what would have been her 53rd birthday on 4 March 2026. This confirmation marked an important moment for all involved, as it provided closure to a case that had remained unresolved for an astonishing 35 years.

The Ramapo College IGG Center has established its reputation over the years for assisting in various cold cases and has solved a total of 43 cases to date, with 25 of those publicly acknowledged. Cairenn Binder, the Assistant Director of the IGG Center, expressed pride in the team’s relentless dedication to helping families of victims. The Centre’s work highlights the increasingly significant role of genetic genealogy in solving long-standing mysteries and delivering much-needed answers to grieving families.

In the statement released by the Albuquerque Police Department, authorities expressed hope that this development would bring peace to Mallekoote’s family, who had endured years of uncertainty. “After 35 years, Becca’s name has been restored,” they said. The police department’s sentiments reflect the importance of identifying victims and delivering closure to their loved ones.

For individuals struggling with mental health challenges or emotional distress, resources are readily available. Support services such as the 988 crisis line are accessible 24/7, providing assistance to those in need. As this story highlights, addressing mental health issues remains a crucial component of public safety and community wellbeing.

This case serves as a reminder of the significant advances in forensic science and the collaborative power of determined investigators. As communities uplift the stories of lost loved ones, the emphasis remains on ensuring every victim is remembered and their families receive the justice and peace they deserve.