Remains of Missing Canadian Woman Identified Nearly Two Decades Later Through Forensic Testing

The body of Tammy Eileen Penner, a Canadian woman who went missing almost two decades ago, has been identified through advanced forensic techniques, CBS News reports.

Her body was found approximately 2,500 miles from her home in British Columbia, Canada.

Penner was last seen in early 2005, with an official missing person report filed with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on February 7 of that year. The identification process was facilitated by Othram, a US-based company specializing in investigative genetic genealogy, which collaborates with law enforcement to resolve unsolved cases.

Othram reported that Penner’s remains were discovered in August 2005 at a picnic area along a highway between Guelph and Rockwood in Ontario. Authorities at the time estimated that the remains belonged to a woman between 25 and 45 years old. Notably, her left cheek, nose, and eye socket had sustained fractures that had healed before her death, leading investigators to deem the circumstances as suspicious.

When her body was found, it was covered with a sleeping bag, and she was not wearing jewelry or carrying any identification. Investigators believed that the clothing she wore, which was bought in or around Montreal — nearly 400 miles from where her remains were discovered — added to the mystery of her identity.

Despite law enforcement’s efforts, including the release of composite images to the public, Penner’s identity remained unknown for many years. However, in 2023, a review of the case by the Ontario Provincial Police and the Toronto Police Service led to Othram being enlisted for genetic genealogy testing.

Using DNA extracted from the remains, Othram created a genetic profile that could be compared with other profiles to identify potential relatives. This effort led to the confirmation that the body’s remains belonged to Penner, who was 41 years old at the time of her death.

Detective Inspector Randy Gaynor of the Ontario Provincial Police said that he has communicated with Penner’s family and expressed hope that others who might have known her will come forward with information. He urged anyone with potential insights into Penner’s life or circumstances surrounding her death to contact authorities.

“We’re hoping that people will recognize and name Tammy Penner as being in Ontario or even being in British Columbia and coming to Ontario with someone,” Gaynor stated. “Any information that could assist us in determining her cause of death would be invaluable.”