After nearly 38 years, remains found in February 1988 near Parker Bridge Road and the Sunnyside Dam have been identified as Rosa Elia Vargas Jimenez Everts, who was reported missing in August 1987. A cold-case review in August 2024 led investigators to collect DNA from Rosa’s mother and sister; the Minnesota Department of Public Safety confirmed the match on Oct. 22, 2025. Authorities say the identification brings closure to the family, though the criminal investigation remains open.
Decades-Old Mystery Solved: 1988 Remains Identified As Woman Reported Missing In 1987
Yakima County Sheriff's OfficeRosa Elia Vargas Jimenez Everts, whose remains were found in 1988 and identified in 2025
Human remains discovered in February 1988 near Parker Bridge Road and the Sunnyside Dam in Parker, Washington, have been formally identified as Rosa Elia Vargas Jimenez Everts, a Toppenish resident who was 31 when she disappeared, authorities confirmed.
The remains were originally cataloged as "Parker Doe" after an initial 1988 investigation produced no conclusive leads or identification. The case went cold for decades until a renewed review in 2024 reopened the file.
How the Identification Was Made
On Aug. 6, 1987, the Toppenish Police Department (TPD) received a missing-person report filed by a former roommate, who last saw Everts in December 1986 and initially believed she had returned to California. A family member later told the roommate that Rosa had not been in contact with relatives and had not been in California.
In August 2024, Senior Investigator and Analyst Carlos Trevino from the Washington State Office of the Attorney General located Rosa’s mother and sister in Utah and collected DNA samples and additional information that proved valuable to the probe. Those family DNA samples were compared to the genetic profile from the Parker Doe remains.
Yakima County Sheriff's OfficeRosa Elia Vargas Jimenez Everts, who was reported missing in 1987
On Oct. 22, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety notified the Toppenish Police Department and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) that the DNA matched, confirming the remains as Rosa Elia Vargas Jimenez Everts.
Family, Agencies Respond
"The family and friends of Rosa Everts can now have peace of mind and finally put her to rest," officials said.
The YCSO thanked everyone who assisted with the investigation and said it is working to return Rosa’s remains to her family. Attorney General Nick Brown added: While the results bring some answers, we understand that the criminal investigation is still ongoing, and our hearts go out to Ms. Everts’ family and loved ones.
Investigators continue to treat the matter as an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact cold-case investigator J. Mark Keller at (509) 833-2240.
Reporters and members of the public may refer to statements from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office and the Toppenish Police Department for additional updates.
