GCSO asks for community assistance on 1992 cold case

MATTAWA — Grant County Major Crimes detectives are renewing efforts to identify a young child whose remains were discovered more than three decades ago near Mattawa. 

Investigators say the remains of a toddler were uncovered in 1992 in a shallow grave in a remote, dry area between State Route 243 and the Columbia River, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The site was described as arid and largely undeveloped.  

At the time, forensic analysis indicated the child may have been buried for up to three months before being found. 

The child is believed to have been a boy between 12 and 24 months old. He was found wrapped in a curtain-like material and dressed in distinctive clothing, including white tube socks with red and blue stripes, blue “Toddler Time” pants from JCPenney, and a long-sleeved sweater patterned with polar bears. 

Despite the passage of time, investigators say the case has never been forgotten.  

One detective has continued to review the file, and advances in forensic and DNA technology are providing new opportunities to learn more about the child’s identity, according to the statement from GCSO.  

A forensic facial reconstruction has been completed to show what the child may have looked like. Authorities hope the updated image, along with details about the clothing, may prompt new leads from the public. 

Detectives are asking anyone who may recognize the child, the clothing, or who has information about the circumstances surrounding his death to contact GCSO at 509-762-1160.  

“Even the smallest detail may help investigators,” wrote GCSO.  

The case remains open as investigators work to identify the child and determine what happened.