DNA Evidence Provides New Lead in Cold Case

On June 29, 2001, at approximately 5:00 a.m., the Sacramento Fire Department responded to a fire on the 7900 block of 18th Avenue.  When firefighters arrived, they located a garbage dumpster fully engulfed in flames. Once extinguished, firefighters located  the body of an unidentified female in the dumpster.  Upon discovery of the body, Fire Department personnel notified the Sacramento Police Department who began a death investigation. Recently, the Sacramento Police Department used advanced DNA technology to develop new leads in the case.

With the assistance of a private genealogy laboratory and through DNA, Detectives positively identified the woman as Perrean Gray.  Through additional investigation it was discovered that she was reported as a Missing Person in San Francisco. 

Based on DNA evidence, Homicide detectives believe that the death of Perrean Gray is related to her disappearance. Police are seeking the community’s help with any information regarding the circumstances surrounding this case.

The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this incident to contact the dispatch center at (916)264-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or submit an anonymous tip using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000