CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- A 1996 murder victim has been identified thanks to forensic genetic genealogy, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. On July 18, 1996, human skeletal remains were found in a wooded area near Bank of America Stadium. The medical examiner's office determined the victim was female, and her death was ruled a homicide. Detectives were unsuccessful in identifying the victim through conventional means, officials said. In 2022, the remains were sent to Raleigh for an osteological examination by a forensic anthropologist. With funding from CMPD, the bones were sent to Othram Labs in Texas for advanced DNA testing. Police said it was unsuccessful due to the condition of the remains. In 2024, more bones were sent to Othram Labs for another DNA extraction, which turned out successful in obtaining a genetic profile. Woman arrested in 2023 death investigation at Colfax restaurant, Guilford County sheriff says The CMPD Cold Case Unit partnered with Ramapo College of New Jersey's Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center (IGG). The team quickly identified the victim as Betty Benton. Her next of kin was contacted, and they said they had not heard from her since the early 1990s. A DNA profile from a family member confirmed that the victim was indeed Betty Benton. CMPD said Benton was born in Louisiana on Feb. 27, 1954, and spent most of her life in Chicago. She last contacted family members in February 1991, telling them she was in North Carolina. However, detectives have been unable to find any record of her in the state. She was reported missing in 1992. Authorities are asking for the public's help in the case. Anyone who may have had contact with Benton in NC is urged to contact detectives at 704-432-TIPS. Her murder is still under investigation. CMPD says that as of April 4, 2025, the cold case unit is working to identify at least nine other victims whose remains were found as far back as 1932. ...read more read less