Authorities hope to identify mystery remains

HARLAN, Ky. (AP) — Authorities are hoping that technology can help them identify the remains of a woman found more than 40 years ago on Pine Mountain.

The Harlan Daily Enterprise (http://bit.ly/1Cb0CGP) reports her remains were exhumed recently and her bones were sent to a Texas lab that tests DNA for NamUs, a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice which keeps databases of information on missing and unidentified persons.

Todd Matthews, who is the director of communications and case management for NamUs, says a book by local author Darla Jackson called "Harlan County Haunts" helped bring about the latest effort to identify the remains. He said the book brought the case to his attention.

Matthews said he hopes the DNA testing will help authorities identify the woman sometime this year.

___

Information from: Harlan Daily Enterprise, http://www.harlandaily.com

©2015 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.