Identified! UT - Washington Co., Fem, near Virgin River, Aug'17 - Elizabeth Chatman

[Gardener1850]

[h=1]Human remains found near Virgin River in Washington County[/h]

“Families out … (for recreation) in an area near the Virgin River came upon human remains, and called emergency dispatch to report it,” Crouse said.

The location where the remains were discovered is remote and thus a more precise description was not immediately stated as this report publishes.

Sheriff’s personnel responded to investigate and found a body that appeared to be in an advanced state of decomposition, Crouse said, and according to the initial report it was that of a female.

The remains were removed from the area to be transferred to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner for identification and autopsy to determine the cause of death. As a measure of caution, these types of cases are typically considered criminal investigations until foul play can be ruled out.

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/ar...found-near-virgin-river-in-washington-county/

 

[Gardener1850]

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — A family discovered the remains of a female while driving an off-road vehicle near the Utah-Arizona border.

The Spectrum reported on Monday that the remains were found along the Virgin River about 1 mile (1.6 kilometer) north of the border with Arizona. The Washington County Sheriff's Office has not identified the remains or determined a cause of death. Lt. David Crouse said the body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

http://kutv.com/news/local/utah-family-finds-human-remains-along-river-bank

 

[Gardener1850]

[h=1]Human remains found near Virgin River in Washington County identified by authorities[/h]

WASHINGTON COUNTY — Washington County Sheriff’s detectives and the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner have confirmed the identity of the body of a female found Aug. 25 in southwest Washington County near the Virgin River.

The body has been identified as 32-year-old Elizabeth Carol Celeste Chatman of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Washington County Sheriff’s Lt. Dave Crouse said.

Investigators are still working with the Medical Examiner to determine a cause of death.

“Detectives are actively following up on leads provided by the victim’s family, but we are also asking for the public’s assistance,” Crouse said.

If anyone saw Chatman between the second week of July through the end of August to share that information with investigators, he said.

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/ar...-washington-county-identified-by-authorities/

RIP Elizabeth :rose:

 

[WesternArtist]

So the family believes she may have been held against her will and the victim of foul play but I can't find any updates since her being ID'd. I am really curious to hear of some movement with this investigation.

 

[WesternArtist]

While there is a long time gap, Elizabeth's case reminds me of Ermelinda Garza's from 1991. She was also last seen in Las Vegas and found dead in what looks like the same general area outside of Saint George. Since this is nearly a two hour drive this connection could be unique. Her case was ruled a homicide and remains unsolved. This site takes forever to load so I am pasting the details below: https://secure.utah.gov/coldcase/casedetail.html?id=51

Ermelinda Garza

MISSING SINCE: 02-04-1991
CASE #: 91-1373
AGE: 32 (DOB: 17-01-1959)
HEIGHT: 5' 1"
WEIGHT: 100 lbs
HAIR: Black
EYES: Brown
RACE: Native American

ABOUT THIS CASE
This is a St. George Police Department Cold Case homicide. If you have information regarding this case please call St. George Police, (435) 627-4301 or the tip line at (435) 627-4373. Case Synopsis: On April 2, 1991, at approximately 8:00 a.m. the body of Ermelinda Garza was located in a remote area approximately two miles from I-15. The victim was known to work as a prostitute in Las Vegas and had used the name Linda Sherman. The victim had been dead for about one hour prior to being discovered. She was shot several times with a small caliber handgun.

While I am unsure how common of a dumpsite this area is, or if that is even what happened to Elizabeth, I see some similarities. Ermelinda was a petite Native American woman. I have not been able to tell what Elizabeth's racial background is. While the area in Oklahoma where her family is from could fit for her being Native I don't want to assume. Either way they do appear to have sort of a similar look. Here is a little more info on Elizabeth: https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-oklahoman/20170929/281599535696696

 

[shesinparties]

Liz was one of my good friends. When this happened I was told by her brother that they didn’t know who she was with, basically she left OKC and was found in Utah deceased less than two months later. I had a feeling that she had been a victim of foul play. Liz was incredibly street smart and knew how to read people, and the toxicology report found nothing in her system, this was in September 2017. In February 2018, the St. George PD had confirmed that she was most likely using Craigslist for rides, and her last known location was at the Luxor in Las Vegas. I noticed there had been a couple of other bodies found in the vicinity before Liz, one was a man and the other was a woman. Liz was also multi racial. She was Black, White, and Native American.

 

[Desertpugg]

The female was Amy Crawford. Have not heard of cause of death. Quite frustrating since this has been over a year and haven't heard anything on it. She was friend with another female who was murder in June. They have someone in custody, not sure if they are related besides being aquainted.
I will leave the web sleuths thread for Amy Crawford.
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ut-amy-crawford-32-st-george

 

[carbuff]

Liz was one of my good friends. When this happened I was told by her brother that they didn’t know who she was with, basically she left OKC and was found in Utah deceased less than two months later. I had a feeling that she had been a victim of foul play. Liz was incredibly street smart and knew how to read people, and the toxicology report found nothing in her system, this was in September 2017. In February 2018, the St. George PD had confirmed that she was most likely using Craigslist for rides, and her last known location was at the Luxor in Las Vegas. I noticed there had been a couple of other bodies found in the vicinity before Liz, one was a man and the other was a woman. Liz was also multi racial. She was Black, White, and Native American.

My condolences on the loss of your friend, and welcome to Websleuths.

 

[alphabella13]

I've known Liz since we were kids, about 2002. When she died I hadn't seen her in a couple years. I loved Liz so much. She was the sweetest person and so unique.
From what I have gathered, I feel like she was murdered. I know she was around a lot of people she didn't know and maybe at the mercy of these same people. All I know for sure is I'm so sorry we have to have this conversation.

 

[alphabella13]

While there is a long time gap, Elizabeth's case reminds me of Ermelinda Garza's from 1991. She was also last seen in Las Vegas and found dead in what looks like the same general area outside of Saint George. Since this is nearly a two hour drive this connection could be unique. Her case was ruled a homicide and remains unsolved. This site takes forever to load so I am pasting the details below: https://secure.utah.gov/coldcase/casedetail.html?id=51

While I am unsure how common of a dumpsite this area is, or if that is even what happened to Elizabeth, I see some similarities. Ermelinda was a petite Native American woman. I have not been able to tell what Elizabeth's racial background is. While the area in Oklahoma where her family is from could fit for her being Native I don't want to assume. Either way they do appear to have sort of a similar look. Here is a little more info on Elizabeth: PressReader.com - Your favorite newspapers and magazines.

 

[alphabella13]

Liz was multi-racial.