Full Notification

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND NEAR TUOLUMNE RIVER FOUND TO BE MODESTO WOMAN

Modesto, CA – On April 6th, 2009 detectives unearthed human remains near the Tuolumne River adjacent to John Thurman Field in southwest Modesto. The remains have been confirmed to belong to a missing Modesto woman, deemed to be the victim of a homicide.

On June 18, 2009 Modesto Police detectives received confirmation that the remains were that of Regina Patton (DOB: 4/26/59). Patton was last seen by family members in 2007 and was reported missing in 2009. The identity was determined by DNA analysis and a forensic anthropologist is involved in examining evidence. Patton was believed to be transient in the Modesto area at the time of her murder. Police will not comment about a means of death, as the investigation is on-going.

On April 15, 2009 Modesto Police detectives arrested a Reno couple in connection with the homicide. Thomas George Wright (43 years old) and his wife Judy Lynn Wright (44 years old) were arrested for the death of the woman. The investigation suggests that the two acted together to kill the woman near the Tuolumne River in the summer of 2007. Both were booked at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on homicide charges and are pending trial.

Anyone with information about Regina Patton around the time of her disappearance in 2007 should call the Modesto Police Department at (209) 572-9500 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can also text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a text message to 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.

For further information regarding this press release please contact Sergeant Brian Findlen at (209) 652-1386.



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