Genealogy Helps Identify Homicide Victim with Dispersed Remains

Identification of Cold Case: The Tragic Story of Kay Josephine Medin

In February 1993, a significant and haunting discovery was made on a beach near Trinidad Head, located in California’s picturesque Trinidad Harbor. The Fortuna Police Department was alerted by a local resident who found a partial human skull. Subsequently, the skull was handed over to the authorities, sparking an investigation that would stretch over three decades. Initial DNA profiling efforts were conducted, entering the information into both the California Missing Person DNA Database and the National Unidentified Person DNA Index. However, these efforts yielded no matches to any known individuals, and the case was consequently cataloged as UP55274 in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

In 2024, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) received pivotal funding from U.S. Representative Jared Huffman aimed at addressing a backlog of unidentified human remains cases. This funding facilitated the submission of the skull’s evidence to Othram, a cutting-edge forensic laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas, for advanced DNA analysis. The scientists at Othram successfully developed a DNA extract and employed Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive profile, which was subsequently utilized by Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team for further investigative leads.

Othram’s efforts proved fruitful several months later, providing HCSO with new leads that included the potential identity of the woman associated with the discovered remains. Investigators used this information to conduct follow-up inquiries and eventually located a potential relative. A DNA comparison by the California Department of Justice confirmed that the skull belonged to Kay Josephine Medin, also known as Kay Adams, who was reported missing in August 1987.

Kay’s disappearance was reported by her husband, Nickolas Medin, shortly after he returned from a business trip to find her missing. At the time, her purse and personal belongings were still at their home in Hyampom, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, which was categorized by the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office as suspicious.

The investigation into Kay’s case took a grim turn in November 1987 when the HCSO received an anonymous package containing skeletal remains and a letter with directions to additional human remains near Ammon Ridge Road in Eastern Humboldt County. These remains were later identified as belonging to Kay Medin through dental record comparisons. Despite the issuance of a death certificate in 1988, Kay remained listed as a missing person due to the incomplete recovery of her remains. Her case has since been classified as a homicide, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The identification of Kay Medin marks the 63rd case in California resolved through the innovative technology developed by Othram, highlighting the crucial role that advancements in DNA forensics are playing in addressing cold cases and bringing closure to families.

Authorities are urging anyone with potential information regarding Kay Medin’s case or other cold homicide investigations to contact Investigator Mike Fridley at the Humboldt Sheriff’s Office at 707-441-3024. The identification of cold cases not only serves justice but also emphasizes the unyielding pursuit of truth behind unresolved disappearances.