Authorities in Colorado have confirmed that remains discovered in a freezer earlier this year belong to Amanda Overstreet, a 16-year-old girl who was last seen in Grand Junction, Colorado, in April 2005.
The remains were found by a new homeowner who was giving away the freezer in January, during which they discovered a human head and hands inside. DNA testing conducted by the Mesa County Coroner's Office confirmed the identity of the remains, which belonged to the daughter of the former homeowner.
In a statement to the media, Wendy Likes, sheriff’s public information officer said:
“It’s incredibly sad that no one knew she was there... No one that we’re aware of knew she was missing. That no one took the time to find out where this child was or what happened to her, and that’s why we are taking the time we are taking to make sure that we answer all those questions.”
Amanda Overstreet was never reported missing
According to the deputies on the case, Amanda Overstreet was never reported missing. Neighbors reported that the former residents of the house appeared to have abandoned it abruptly, leaving most of their possessions behind.
Jamison Perez, a longtime resident of the area since 1997, recalled seeing Amanda and described her attire as reminiscent of an elderly woman's style. He mentioned inquiring about her whereabouts, to which Amanda's family responded that she had been sent away to Texas or a similar location.
Recollecting his memories about the house from the time when Amanda was still alive, Jamison Perez told the police:
“I would walk my dogs about once every other day, and just walking by the house, you just smelled mildew... It would make you sick walking by.”
The only available image of Amanda Overstreet is a picture of her from her high school yearbook.
While the deputies on the case have confirmed no involvement of the current owners of the home. Authorities said:
“The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to emphasize that the home where the Pinyon Avenue Homicide investigation centered is now under new ownership, completely unrelated to the previous case... The house was purchased, fully remodeled, and sold to the current owner. We urge you to respect the current owner and their neighbors’ privacy and avoid driving by the home or taking photos.”
People have been reacting sympathetically to Amanda Overstreet's story on the internet. Users have shared posts like:
"I'm heartbroken and outraged. This child vanished, and NO ONE thought to look for her or report her missing. Amanda Overstreet deserved better."
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Mesa County Sherrif's Office said that they are conducting investigations into why and how Amanda Overstreet's body parts ended up in the old homeowner's freezer and that the investigation into her death is ongoing.
Records show that a house on the street where Amanda Overstreet's remains were found used to belong to a man named Bradley David Imer, who passed away from COVID-19 in 2021. His death certificate mentions his spouse as Leanne Overstreet, suggesting a connection to Amanda's family
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