Saskatchewan – In February 2021, Watrous RCMP received a report of human remains located in the RM of Morris, SK. Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes took carriage of the investigation.
Since then, Major Crimes has been working to identify the remains, in conjunction with Watrous RCMP, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Forensic Identification Services, Police Dog Services, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service and a forensic anthropologist.
In March 2022, investigators enlisted the assistance of a forensic genealogy firm. Using DNA, the experts were able to determine the deceased individual had closely-related relatives in the Red Deer, AB area.
Further investigation by Major Crimes determined the remains likely belonged to a woman from Red Deer, who was last seen there in January 2021. She had not been reported missing to police. In January 2023, Saskatchewan RCMP Forensic Identification Services conclusively determined the human remains belong to Kassandra Jorquera, who would have been 27 years old at the time of her death. Her family has been notified.
Major Crimes continues to investigate the circumstances of Kassandra’s death, which investigators have determined is suspicious in nature.
Investigators want to speak with anyone who has information about Kassandra’s death, or has knowledge of her activities in and around January 2021. Kassandra often frequented Red Deer and is known to have been there in January 2021. She also visited Grande Prairie periodically. Her connection to Saskatchewan is unknown at this time.
Investigators are releasing her photo and description to help advance this investigation. Kassandra was approximately 5’5” and 110 lbs. She had shoulder-length dark brown hair and brown eyes. Her family describes her as having “beautiful” teeth.
“Since February 2021, we’ve worked diligently to identify the person located deceased. We now know it’s Kassandra. Our work continues: we need to retrace all of her steps in January 2021,” says Sgt. Ryan Boogaard from Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “I know it was some time ago, but we’re asking people – particularly in the Red Deer area – to take a look at her picture and think back. Did you know Kassandra? Did you speak with her or encounter her in the weeks after New Year’s 2021? You may have a piece of the puzzle that will help us determine what happened to her in those final weeks of her life.”
Anyone with information on Kassandra’s death, or whereabouts in and around January 2021, should contact Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes at 639-625-4535. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Saskatchewan RCMP
BACKGROUND
RCMP Major Crime Unit South: Human Remains Located in Watrous Detachment area
Watrous, Saskatchewan – Around 3:20 p.m. February 28, 2021 Watrous RCMP responded to a complaint of a human skull located in a field in the RM of Morris, SK by people looking for shed antlers. RCMP Major Crimes Unit South (MCUS) assumed the lead in the investigation with the assistance of the detachment, Saskatoon RCMP Forensic Identification Section, RCMP Police Dog Services, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service and a forensic anthropologist.
An autopsy took place on March 3, 2021 in Saskatoon. During the autopsy it was determined the individual was likely female and between 25-35 years of age. The remains do not appear to be historical in nature. At this time, it has not been confirmed whether this individual’s death is considered suspicious.
Collaborations will continue between RCMP MCUS and Saskatchewan police services and potentially neighbouring provinces to further our efforts in identifying the deceased. In addition, further investigative efforts around DNA comparison and consultation with the National DNA Data Bank have been undertaken.
If anyone has information regarding this investigation, we encourage you to call Watrous RCMP at 306-946-3316 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-222-8477.
RCMP Major Crime Unit South
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