In continuing coverage, Washington County authorities have identified a woman whose remains were discovered
more than 30 years ago, bringing long-awaited answers to her family.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says human remains recovered in Washington and Ramsey counties in June of 1993 have been identified as 27-year-old Denise Elaine Sexton Hartley of St. Paul.
In 2024, the Sheriff’s Office and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner partnered with the nonprofit DNA Doe Project to use investigative genetic genealogy.
The effort led detectives to Hartley’s family in Ohio, and a DNA sample from her daughter helped confirm the identification through testing by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Sheriff Dan Starry says the case is a reminder that investigators never stop seeking answers for victims and their families.
KDWA connected with Washington County Sheriff’s Detective Clayton Evens for insight into the work of identifying
Denise Hartley.
(Actuality 1)
The investigation into Hartley’s death remains active. Authorities say the cause and manner of death are still undetermined, and no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information about Hartley is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office: 651-430-7850.
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