1974 homicide victim identified after more than 50 years

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Riverside County investigators have identified a woman whose partially buried body was found in the Desert Hot Springs desert in 1974, more than 50 years after her death.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Rebecca Jean McMahan, also known as Becky McMahan and Becky Solis. McMahan was reported missing by her family on July 3, 1973, after she was last seen June 11 in Bell Gardens. She had told family she planned to travel to Palm Springs for vacation.

Despite years of efforts, including fingerprint and dental-record comparisons, investigators were unable to identify her.

The case was reopened in 2024 by the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team. Investigators used forensic genetic genealogy, with DNA testing conducted by Othram Labs, to develop a profile from bone samples collected by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.

A genealogist identified a potential close relative in California. DNA testing of that relative, along with confirmation from the California Department of Justice, ultimately identified the victim as McMahan.

McMahan was described as a white female with long brown hair and hazel eyes. She was about 5-foot-3 to 5-foot-4 and weighed between 120 and 145 pounds. She had an “SS” tattoo on her ankle and a butterfly tattoo on the right side of her chest.

Investigators are now seeking information about McMahan and the circumstances surrounding her death. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Ebony Caviness at 951-955-0257 or by email at coldcaseunit@rivcoda.org.

The Regional Cold Case Homicide Team includes investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner Department and Riverside Police Department.