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18th Mar 2022

Remains of ‘Little Miss Nobody’ found in desert identified after more than 60 years

Kieran Galpin

‘Little Miss Nobody’ was only partially buried when discovered.

The body of a girl once dubbed ‘Little Miss Nobody’ has finally been identified some 60 years after her body was found in Arizona, USA.

On July 31 1960, police discovered the corpse of a young girl aged between three and five in Congress, Arizona. The body had been burnt two weeks before it was discovered, which ultimately led to the case being ruled as a homicide with an “undetermined yet suspicious” cause of death.

Adult shoe prints were identified near the burial site that saw the unidentified girl partially buried in Sand Wash Creek.

However thanks to the wonders of modern technology, ‘Little Miss Nobody’ has finally been named.

Authorities have announced that the girl was four-year-old Sharon Lee Gallegos of New Mexico.

She had initially been ruled out as the victim during due to a lack of clarity around the child’s age and the clothing she was wearing, as well as a footprint that was left at the scene.

In 2018, investigators were stumped with the ‘Little Miss Nobody’ case. There were no obvious injuries and decomposition had only made the task more difficult.

However, after raising $4,000 (£3,000), investigators were able to send DNA samples to a host of organisations, including Othram Inc, a company specialising in forensic genealogy – and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Speaking to FOX News, forensic science expert Dr David Fruchtman said there have been “incredible advances” in forensic technology that allows “technicians to extract DNA from bones and teeth.”

He added: “You know, this little girl was somebody’s daughter, was somebody’s sister. This little girl mattered to somebody and it’s wonderful to see this technology used in this way to close and answer these questions from way back.”

A public statement from the Sheriff’s office reads: “The unidentified little girl who won the hearts of Yavapai County in 1960 and who occupied the minds and time of YCSO and partner for 62 years will now rightfully be given her name back and will no longer need to be referred to as Little Miss Nobody.”