RENO, Nev. (Dec. 22, 2025) — Human remains discovered in Reno in 2023 have been identified as 72-year-old Andrew Tadashi Matayoshi with the help of advanced DNA testing.
Discovered on July 3, 2023, the skeletal remains were in the Peavine Hills area of Reno. Nearby, law enforcement recovered several personal items, including a blue backpack, size 9 Skechers sneakers, men’s size small gray Columbia shorts, a gray baseball cap with no logo, a blue 509 motorcycle helmet, a knit “Turtle Fur” hat, survival supplies, and a Glock 9mm handgun.
The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office investigated the case, but was initially unable to identify the remains, and later entered them into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
In May 2025, the Texas-based laboratory specializing in complex DNA cases, Othram, received the forensic evidence. Scientists developed a DNA extract and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to create a comprehensive DNA profile. Biogeographical and biological sex analysis indicated the remains belonged to an Asian male.
Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team used the DNA profile to generate investigative leads. Investigators later identified potential relatives, collected a reference DNA sample, and confirmed the relationship using Othram’s Rapid Relationship Testing.
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