Albuquerque Cold Case Solved After 35 Years Thanks to DNA Genome Testing

New technology helps identify woman found dead in motel in 1991

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A woman found dead in an Albuquerque motel in 1991 has finally been identified as Rebecca Mallekoote, thanks to new DNA genome testing technology. The case had gone cold for over three decades, but a dedicated team of investigators, including a civilian investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department, never gave up. The breakthrough came when the new DNA testing was able to find a match in a public database, leading them to Mallekoote's family.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of new DNA technology in solving long-standing cold cases. For over 30 years, the identity of the woman known as 'Becca Doe' remained a mystery, leaving her family without closure. The successful identification of Mallekoote demonstrates how advancements in forensic science can breathe new life into even the oldest unsolved cases, providing answers and closure for victims' loved ones.

The details

In 1991, a woman was found dead in an Albuquerque motel from an apparent suicide. Police were unable to identify her for decades, despite efforts to compare fingerprints, DNA, and photographs. In 2009, a DNA sample was submitted to the national CODIS database, but there were no matches. Last year, investigators turned to new DNA genome testing technology, which uses a more comprehensive analysis than the CODIS system. With the help of Ramapo College of New Jersey, who provided the testing for free, they were able to find a match in the public DNA databases, leading them to identify the woman as Rebecca Mallekoote.

  • In 1991, the woman's body was found in an Albuquerque motel.
  • In 2009, a DNA sample was submitted to the CODIS database, but there were no matches.
  • Last year, investigators used new DNA genome testing technology to identify the woman as Rebecca Mallekoote.

The players

Gerald Roach

A civilian investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department who was determined to give the woman her name back.

Dr. Heather Edgar

A forensic anthropologist with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator who worked on the case.

Rebecca Mallekoote

The woman found dead in the Albuquerque motel in 1991, whose identity was finally uncovered after 35 years.

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What they’re saying

“So it got to a point with me that I wanted to give her her name back.”

— Gerald Roach, Civilian investigator with APD (KRQE)

“The CODIS system uses just a few markers and genetic markers, and Fig or IgG uses a whole genome sequence and compares to publicly available DNA databases.”

— Dr. Heather Edgar, Forensic anthropologist with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (KRQE)

What’s next

The Office of the Medical Examiner has 77 cold cases they are currently working on, and APD has hundreds, but they remain committed to using new technology to provide closure for victims' families.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the remarkable progress in DNA technology and its power to solve even the oldest unsolved crimes. The identification of Rebecca Mallekoote after 35 years provides her family with long-awaited closure and underscores the importance of perseverance and innovation in cold case investigations.