WATROUS – RCMP have identified human remains found in the R. M. of Morris in February 2021 through the DNA of her relatives.
With help from Othram, Inc., a forensic genealogy firm, Sask. RCMP Major Crimes determined the remains were that of 27-year-old Kassandra Jorquera who was last seen in Red Deer, Alta., in January 2021. She was never reported missing to police. In January, Saskatchewan RCMP Forensic Identification Services conclusively determined the human remains belonged to Jorquera.
In March 2022, investigators had enlisted help from the forensic genealogy firm from the Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to develop a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified woman. Othram's in-house genealogy team used the profile to develop investigative leads that were returned to the law enforcement investigators. The experts were able to determine the deceased individual had closely-related relatives in the Red Deer, Alta., area.
“Since February 2021, we’ve worked diligently to identify the person located deceased,” said Sgt. Ryan Boogaard from Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “We now know it’s Kassandra. Our work continues. We need to retrace all of her steps in January 2021.”
RCMP Major Crimes say Jorquera’s death is suspicious and want to speak with anyone who has information about her death, or has knowledge of her activities in and around January 2021. Jorquera often frequented Red Deer and is known to have been there in January 2021. She also visited Grande Prairie periodically. Police say her connection to Saskatchewan is unknown at this time.
“I know it was some time ago, but we’re asking people – particularly in the Red Deer area – to take a look at her picture and think back,” said Sgt. Ryan Boogaard. “Did you know Kassandra? Did you speak with her or encounter her in the weeks after New Year’s 2021? You may have a piece of the puzzle that will help us determine what happened to her in those final weeks of her life.”
Kassandra Jorquera was approximately five-foot-five and 110 pounds. She had shoulder-length dark brown hair and brown eyes. Her family described her as having had “beautiful” teeth.
Jorquera’s remains were found Feb. 28, 2021, by Watrous RCMP after they responded to a complaint of a human skull located in a field in the R. M. of Morris by people looking for shed antlers. RCMP Major Crimes Unit South took over the investigation with the assistance of the detachment, Saskatoon RCMP Forensic Identification Section, RCMP Police Dog Services, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service and a forensic anthropologist.
Anyone with information on Kassandra Jorquera’s death, or whereabouts in and around January 2021, should contact Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes at 639-625-4535. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
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