Day: May 22, 2026

Support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program has significantly enhanced the Riverside County Coroner’s (RCC’s) investigative and identification capabilities, resulting in measurable operational improvements and case progress. MUHR funding enabled RCC to acquire portable dental imaging equipment, allowing investigators to conduct postmortem dental radiographs directly at exhumation sites. This capability has addressed long-standing gaps in cases lacking prior dental records, expanding the number of cases that can be meaningfully evaluated. RCC also leveraged MUHR funding to purchase scanning and computer equipment, which facilitated the complete digitization of legacy case files. Historical records have been organized into a centralized digital system, eliminating the need for manual file retrieval and enabling rapid access to case information, improving both efficiency and case review capacity. Additionally, MUHR funding supported exhumation efforts that enabled RCC to complete dental charting, obtain dental X-rays, and collect biological samples for DNA analysis. The resulting information has provided Riverside County with several investigative leads, further strengthening its ability to evaluate unresolved cases. Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate how MUHR funding strengthens foundational forensic infrastructure, enhances investigative capabilities, and supports the resolution of long-standing unidentified remains cases.