VALDESE, N.C. — Human remains found on Praley Street SE in Valdese in November 2025 are believed to be those of a woman who may have been dead for up to three years, police said.
The remains were discovered Nov. 4 and sent to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for examination and identification.
[ PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Skeletal remains found near Burke County creek, investigation underway ]
The medical examiner estimates the woman was between 44 and 60 years old and between 5 feet and 5 feet 8 inches tall.
Investigators have not yet identified the woman. Efforts to determine her identity will include continued DNA comparisons and familial DNA comparisons, according to the Valdese Police Department.
Police said they will provide additional updates as information becomes available and urged the public to approach the investigation with compassion, noting that family members and friends may be waiting for answers about a missing loved one.