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Remains of murder victim discovered in Nevada desert four decades ago finally identified as California resident
The Nevada State Police made a major breakthrough this week in a decades-old cold case, as they announced the identification of a homicide victim whose body was found in the Nevada desert more than 40 years ago. The victim was identified as Albert Matas of Commerce, California, thanks to the use of DNA evidence.
The discovery of Matas’ body dates back to October 1980, when Nye County Sheriff’s deputies stumbled upon the remains of an unknown adult male on a dirt road just east of Interstate 95, approximately 60 miles south of Tonopah. The investigation that followed revealed that the man had been a victim of homicide, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite exhaustive efforts by law enforcement to identify the victim at the time, no leads had emerged. The victim’s mitochondrial DNA was added to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, but it was not until the collaboration with Othram, a forensic genealogy company, that a breakthrough was finally made.
The use of advanced DNA testing by Othram led to the positive identification of Matas in December 2023. This revelation has brought closure to Matas’ family, who had lost contact with him back in September 1978. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, and the investigation into the case is ongoing.
It is unclear why authorities waited until now to release Matas’ name to the public, but they are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and contact the Nevada State Police. The FBI, Nevada State Police, and NamUs continue to work diligently in hopes of uncovering the truth behind this tragic event that has haunted investigators for over four decades.
The identification of Albert Matas serves as a testament to the importance of advancements in forensic technology and the dedication of law enforcement agencies to never give up on solving cold cases. It is a bittersweet moment for Matas’ loved ones, as they finally have the closure they have been seeking for so many years. Although the circumstances of Matas’ death may never be fully understood, his memory will now be honored and remembered as his story is finally brought to light.
News
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment
Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.
University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.
Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.
In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”
The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.