A break in the case of missing hiker Jane Friesen with the discovery of skeletal remains, that police say are most likely hers.
On Monday, August 24th, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer made the announcement with Friesen’s family by his side.
“It’s a high probability because we have not been able to confirm the identification through any type of DNA at this time or denture records so those are in the process of being done.” – Chief Jerry Dyer.
Its been a month since 81 year old Jane Friesen was reported missing by her family.
The remains were found Sunday night by Cal Fire, when they came upon a green Ford Escape -Friesen’s car – while her skeletal remains, wallet and shoes were found nearby.
They made the discovery by Maxon and Watts Valley Roads, in Tollhouse.
Chief Dyer says that an animal most likely had been there due to the condition of the remains, but he doesn’t believe foul play was involved.
Melaney Shaum said her mother had not taken her blood pressure pills, and it’s not know if that was a contributing factor.
“We had been praying for answers and we got a few answers but it opened up a whole world of answers and it’s pretty certain that not all of the questions will be answered.” – Melaney Shaum, Friesen’s Daughter.
Fresno Police and the Fresno County Sheriff’s department devoted hours to the case.
The Police Department’s Missing Person’s Unit had been looking at leads on Facebook, in her credit transactions and on foot – searching neighborhoods for the missing woman.
A DNA analysis is being run to positively confirm the identity.
