Read full article on Action News Now
Summary:
In a crucial move to identify human remains found near Shasta Lake, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office is using advanced Rapid DNA technology to aid in the nearly year-old disappearance case of Vivian Luna and her mother, Delores Sakamoto. The mother-daughter pair vanished after leaving Chico in July 2024, and their car was later found in a remote area with remains nearby.
The Rapid DNA system—acquired after the Camp Fire—allows for swift DNA profiling and matching with known relatives; a sample from Luna’s daughter has already been submitted. Requested by the Shasta County Coroner, this tech brings hope for a timely resolution, cutting what would typically be weeks of waiting down to hours. A $10,000 reward remains in place for tips that could help solve the case.
