On Jan. 19, 1974, the partially buried body of an unidentified deceased adult female was located in the open desert of Desert Hot Springs, Calif. Despite extensive efforts throughout the years, including fingerprint and dental record comparisons, investigators were unable to identify the victim, and no new investigative leads were developed.
In 2024, the Regional Cold Case Homicide Team (RCCHT) re-examined the case using advances in forensic science, including forensic investigative genetic genealogy. Bone samples from the victim were collected by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office and sent to Othram for DNA analysis. The victim’s DNA profile was later developed and uploaded to a direct-to-consumer ancestry database. A genealogist assigned to RCCHT identified a potential match to a close relative in California. Investigators contacted the family member, who voluntarily provided DNA samples for comparison. The DNA comparison, along with confirmation from the California Department of Justice—Missing and Unidentified Persons Section, allowed RCCHT to identify the victim as Rebecca Jean McMahan, also known as Becky McMahan, and Becky Solis.
Rebecca, 19, was reported missing by her family on July 3, 1973. She was last seen on June 11, 1973, in Bell Gardens, CA, and had mentioned traveling to Palm Springs for vacation. From 1969 to 1973, Rebecca is known to have resided in Bellingham, Washington; Bell, CA; Cudahy, CA; and Commerce, CA. Rebecca is described as a Caucasian female, with long brown hair, hazel eyes, 5’3”-5’4” in height, and 120-145 lbs. She has a tattoo of “SS” on her ankle and a butterfly tattoo on the right side of her chest.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about Rebecca or the circumstances surrounding her death to contact the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team. Any leads, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can be reported to Investigator Ebony Caviness at (951) 955-0257 or by email at [email protected].
Investigators encourage individuals to consider submitting their DNA to reputable ancestry databases, such as Family Tree DNA and GedMatch, as it can play a vital role in identifying unknown victims and advancing cold case investigations. Voluntary DNA submissions help establish familial connections and bring long-awaited answers to families.
The Regional Cold Case Homicide Team is comprised of members of the DA’s Office Bureau of Investigation, the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner Department, and the Riverside Police Department. The team is available to assist in the investigation of cold case homicides for all Riverside County law enforcement agencies.