Identification of Thelma Gaston's Remains
The Riverside County Sheriff confirmed this week that remains discovered in a remote area near Sugarloaf Mountain belong to Thelma Gaston, an LA millionaire who vanished in June 1981 at age 80. Investigators used genetic genealogy and dental records to make the identification, finally closing a case that had remained unsolved for over four decades.
Background of the Case
Gaston disappeared suddenly from her Los Angeles home. A note on her door indicated she was searching for her cat, but she never returned. Police quickly suspected foul play and focused on Lawrence Remsen, her former companion and a carpet salesman who had recently become connected to Gaston. Friends suggested the two were romantically involved, according to a 1981 Los Angeles Times article.
Remsen was convicted of second-degree murder for Gaston's death. Prosecutors alleged he killed her with premeditation to access her $20 million estate, which she had amassed through buying and selling repossessed properties after her husband and son died in the 1950s. Authorities found Gaston's Mercedes at Remsen's apartment, and he attempted to sell over $1 million of her property before fleeing. He was arrested crossing the border from Mexico into Texas.
Trial and Conviction
During his trial, Remsen testified that Gaston died of natural causes and that he disposed of her body at sea to pretend she was still alive and liquidate her estate, the Daily Breeze reported in December 1982. Despite his claims, the jury convicted him of second-degree murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
Discovery and Identification of Remains
In late November 1981, someone gathering firewood in a rugged area near Sugarloaf Mountain discovered severely decomposed remains. For over 40 years, authorities could not identify the woman. The breakthrough came in May 2026, thanks to new funding from a Missing and Unidentified Human Remains grant, which allowed investigators to apply advanced genetic genealogy techniques.
The Riverside Sheriff's Coroner's Bureau expressed gratitude to all who contributed, stating: "Together, these efforts have ensured that Ms Gaston has her name – and her story – returned to her."
