Family of Molly Ervin seek answers in cold case with new DNA tech

Tulare County Sheriff's Office renews efforts to solve 17-year-old murder mystery

Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:35am

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Nearly 17 years after 16-year-old Molly Ervin was found murdered in Tulare County, her family is speaking out about renewed efforts to solve the case and their hope that long-awaited answers may finally come. Investigators are revisiting several cold cases, including Molly's, and plan to send two pieces of jewelry she was wearing at the time of her death to a private laboratory for advanced DNA testing.

Why it matters

Molly's case remains one of the Tulare County Sheriff's Office's highest priorities, as they work to bring closure to the family and the community. The renewed investigation using new DNA technology offers hope that the long-unsolved murder can finally be cracked.

The details

Molly's body was discovered in September 2008 near Highway 99 and Avenue 264 in Tulare County. Despite years of investigation, her case remains unsolved. Investigators have examined multiple theories about Molly's whereabouts in the hours before her death, including statements that placed her at Tegas Ranch and a party at an abandoned residence, but early information failed to produce a breakthrough. As part of the renewed push, two pieces of jewelry Molly was wearing at the time of her death will be sent to a private laboratory for advanced DNA testing.

  • Molly Ervin's body was discovered in September 2008.
  • It has been nearly 17 years since Molly's murder.

The players

Molly Ervin

A 16-year-old girl who was found murdered in Tulare County in 2008.

Heidi Ervin

Molly's sister, who is speaking out about the renewed efforts to solve the case and her family's hope for answers.

Detective Greg May

A detective with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office who says Molly's case remains one of the department's highest priorities.

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux

The Tulare County Sheriff who confirmed the department is working aggressively on multiple long-unsolved homicides, including Molly's case.

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What they’re saying

“She was really outspoken and she was loyal to her friends. She was super smart. She's pretty.”

— Heidi Ervin, Molly's sister (yourcentralvalley.com)

“This is one of our highest priority cases. We've done a lot of follow-up throughout the years on this case.”

— Detective Greg May, Tulare County Sheriff's Office (yourcentralvalley.com)

“We would fight and stuff as sisters do. But she was my sister. Sometimes I just want to tell her about stuff... and then she's not there.”

— Heidi Ervin, Molly's sister (yourcentralvalley.com)

What’s next

Investigators are awaiting the results of advanced DNA testing on two pieces of jewelry Molly was wearing at the time of her death, which they hope will provide new leads in the 17-year-old cold case.

The takeaway

The renewed investigation into Molly Ervin's murder, including the use of new DNA technology, offers hope that her family may finally get the answers and closure they've been seeking for nearly two decades. This case highlights the importance of never giving up on unsolved crimes and the potential for scientific advancements to breathe new life into cold cases.