Human remains found in Washington have finally been identified nearly four decades later.

The remains were found in February 1988 by a horseback rider near Parker Bridge Road and the Sunnyside Dam area in Parker, according to a news release shared by the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

An initial investigation into the case yielded no leads, however, DNA analysis has since been utilized to identify the individual as Rosa Elia Vargas Jimenez Everts, of Toppenish, who was 31 at the time of her disappearance.

The Toppenish Police Department (TPD) said in a statement that Rosa was reported missing by a former roommate on Aug. 6, 1987.

The former roommate, who hadn’t seen Everts since December 1986, initially believed Rosa had returned to California until one of Rosa’s family members informed her that the woman “had not been in California and had not been in communication with family.”

Although detectives did initially investigate whether Rosa’s disappearance could be connected to the remains found in 1988, identified at the time only as “Parker Doe,” they could not obtain “conclusive evidence” and the case went cold.

Decades later, a review of the case was conducted in August 2024, at which time Senior Investigator and Analyst Carlos Trevino of Washington Attorney General’s Office located Rosa’s mom and sister in Utah, obtaining “valuable information related to the case.” 

DNA samples obtained from the mom and sister were then compared to the DNA from Parker Doe’s remains — and on Oct. 22, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety informed the TPD and YCSO that the DNA samples matched.

“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 identification of Rosa and said they are now working to return her remains to her family.

“We were able to help put a family at ease knowing their loved one was found and identified 38 years later,” they said.

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“While the results bring some answers, we understand that the criminal investigation is still ongoing, and our hearts go out to Ms. Evers’ family and loved ones.” Attorney General Nick Brown, of the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, said in a statement.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact cold case investigator J. Mark Keller at (509) 833-2240.