After more than four decades of mystery and relentless investigative work, a cold case victim found slain in San Diego has finally been identified. The San Diego Police Department announced that the remains of a female discovered in 1981 behind Vic’s Office Supply on Garnet Avenue belong to Elaine Armstrong, originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. According to a Facebook post by the department, Armstrong, who had been beaten, stabbed, and set on fire, was homeless at the time of her death and known in the local Pacific Beach community.

The unidentified woman, found on October 16, 1981, was approximately 50 years old, 5'4", and 104 lbs. Despite being a familiar face, her true identity remained a mystery for years. 

In the pursuit of justice and thanks to funding from Project Justice, technological advancements came into play. Othram, a forensic biotechnology company, developed a DNA profile from the evidence found with the body. This critical DNA profile was the breakthrough that led to the identification of Armstrong, who was 51 at the time she met her tragic end. The confirmation came from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, providing a long-awaited answer to the mystery of the woman's identity.

The quest to close this grim chapter continues as authorities are now hopeful that identifying Armstrong will spark new leads in finding her killer. The San Diego Police Department urges anyone with information related to the case to step forward. Information can be shared by contacting the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.