Human Remains Identified as Teen Missing Since 2005 After Grisly Discovery at Recently Sold Colorado Home



Authorities have identified the human remains found in a freezer at a recently sold home in Grand Junction, Colorado. 

They have been confirmed as those of 16-year-old Amanda Overstreet, who had been missing since 2005.

On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office announced in a press release that the human head and hands found in a freezer back in January were identified as those of Amanda Overstreet.

Amanda Overstreet had not been seen or heard from since April 2005.

"DNA testing confirmed the victim’s identity as Amanda Leariel Overstreet," the sheriff’s office stated.

Overstreet was reportedly the biological daughter of the previous homeowner. 

Also, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance are still under investigation, along with ongoing forensic testing. 

Sadly, no record exists of Amanda Overstreet ever being reported missing


The house


The remains were first uncovered when the new homeowner gave away the freezer that had been left behind. 

The recipient of the appliance discovered the body parts and contacted authorities. 

Following the discovery, the case was officially classified as a homicide.

In July, the Mesa County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy.

However, further details on the cause of death remain unavailable as the investigation continues.

Neighbor Sam Troester recalled the events to KUSA.

She said the previous residents vacated the property on January 12, 2024, and the new owners arrived the same day to begin cleaning. 

"The new owners posted online about selling items left behind, including scrap metal and an old deep freezer," Troester shared. 

"That’s when the freezer, which was up for grabs, led to the grim discovery," he added.

Troester also mentioned that the people who collected the freezer later visited her home, asking to use her bathroom. 

"I let them in, but cautiously asked what was happening," Troester said. 

"They told me they opened the freezer to empty it and said a human head fell out."

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. 

In a statement, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Wendy Likes said Overstreet was "just a child" at the time of her death. 

"She was only 16 years old—still a child," Likes emphasized.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for further comment.

In another tragic discovery, human remains of a missing woman were found in a suitcase in a homeless camp.

See full details of that case here

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