The remains of Jonelle Matthews, who went missing in 1984 at the age of 12, were found in Colorado Tuesday by construction workers.
, but it never came. That is, until Thursday, when construction workers in Greeley, Colorado, came across something unexpected. It was aWhat happened the night Jonelle went missing still remains a mystery -- though it may be one police finally have the chance to solve., the seventh-grader was dropped off at home around 8 p.m., shortly after performing in a choir concert at school.
Ironically, police began reinvestigating the case just last year, as renewed interest around it grew. But that wasn't what led them to her body.was just dumb luck: Construction workers reportedly came upon the remains while excavating land to build a pipeline. , her body was found off of Weld 49, a road described as being"a major north-south thoroughfare for decades." Today, the area is lined with oil and gas wells, but back in 1984, the surrounding area was mostly open rural land.
The second photo shows a close-up of a lower jaw, which is separated from the rest of the skull that was found. According to the, the jaw"appears to have all of the teeth still intact" and"the teeth are outfitted with braces" -- something that may have played a role in helping police identify the remains so quickly.
Ultimately, she's hoping this latest discovery, while painful, brings the family the answers and solace they've been searching for.
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