April 11, 2025 – Calaveras County Sheriff's Office officials report that on April 10, Members of the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force, individuals who have been instrumental to the cause, and supporting elected officials prepared the remains of Brenda Sue O’Connor for transport to her family. These remains were sent off after a short invocation by a Sheriff’s Chaplain.
The remains, found in a remote area during the investigation of a serial killing case, had been interred in a San Andreas Crypt along with over 1000 unidentified pieces of human remains until their exhumation in 2021. The exhumation was conducted by the Cold Case Task Force, who believed DNA technology had advanced far enough to facilitate the possibility of identification.
The remains were identified in combination due to advanced analysis by the California Department of Justice, extensive state-of-the-art work by private laboratories, and the use of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy. Task Force members have spent over three years on the identification of the crypt remains, with Cold Case work being in addition to their primary duties.
These additional investigative efforts have finally provided answers to the family of Brenda O’Connor, and the pending return of Brenda’s remains will signify the first reunification of Brenda with her family in a heartbreaking yet necessary reunion. It is our hope that Brenda can finally rest in peace.
This case underscores the power of modern forensic science in bringing families the closure they deserve, even after decades of uncertainty. Work is continuing to identify remains that are not yet identified, and at the conclusion of the project, those not identified will be returned to the San Andreas Crypt.
It is noted that the work performed by the private laboratories and genealogists was entirely funded by donations received by the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force, a tax-exempt non-profit organization. Visit the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force Website at: www.calaverascoldcase.org for more information.
This cold case is connected to the Wilseyville Serial Killings:
The Wilseyville Serial Killings were committed in the mid-1980’s by a duo of killers. Of the two killers, Charles Ng was convicted of 11 counts of murder, and Leonard Lake committed suicide upon his capture. The Calaveras Cold Case Task Force will follow the "No Notoriety" model and minimize the suspects’ names in press releases or case summaries from this point forward.
The Wilseyville Serial Killings left numerous victims, including whole families, whose remains were never identified. Over 1,000 pieces of human bone fragments and teeth were discovered at the scene of these horrific crimes. Experts have classified some of these bones as belonging to infants and toddlers. It is believed there may be victims who have remained unknown all these years, and the team intends to identify these nameless victims, ensure that they are remembered, and bring their stories to light.
Originally placed in a crypt in the People’s Cemetery in San Andreas, CA, the CCTF obtained a court order to exhume the remains and begin the identification process. The goal is to return the victims to their loved ones so they can be laid to rest. The team is actively working to identify each piece of the unidentified bones and teeth with the help of cutting-edge DNA and forensic genetic genealogy.
Source & photos: Calaveras County Sheriff's Office
