Cold Case Remains Identified Nearly 40 Years Later 

December 10, 2025 – Placer County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they have identified human remains discovered nearly four decades ago as those of Marjorie Linehan, who had been missing since October 1, 1982. She was 49 years old at the time of her disappearance.

On February 19, 1986, a portion of a human skull was located along Dry Creek near Booth Road in unincorporated Roseville. For years, the identity of the remains was unknown.

As part of the Placer County Cold Case Team’s ongoing efforts to re-examine unsolved cases using advancements in DNA technology, the remains were submitted to the California Department of Justice for testing. DNA analysis by the California Department of Justice confirmed the remains belong to Linehan.

She was originally reported missing in Sacramento County. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unknown, and at the time, no foul play was suspected. Because only a portion of the skull was recovered, a cause of death cannot be determined.

According to her family, Marjorie was an avid skier, a talented artist, and a mother. Though decades have passed, her memory lives on in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Our thoughts are with the family, and we hope this long-awaited identification offers them peace. We will continue to dedicate resources and modern investigative tools to bring answers to families still waiting.

To further assist efforts on unresolved cases, a newly formed nonprofit, the Placer County Cold Case Foundation, provides support for DNA testing, forensic analysis, and other investigative work. Those interested can learn more or contribute at placercoldcase.org.

Source & photo: Placer County Sheriff’s Office