On May 8, 2021 at approximately 3:05 p.m. the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded back to the Aden Lava Flow Wilderness in reference to a citizen report of possible found human remains.
As reported before, Nelson was reported missing on April 13, 2021 after family had not heard from her. Nelson reportedly kept in contact with family weekly. When Nelson stopped responding to phone calls and text messages her family became concerned and reported her missing to Milwaukee Police Department in Oregon.
Days following a report of a missing Oregon State woman, DASO investigators began searching the area on foot and ATV. United States Border Patrol air support along with their Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) and Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue provided assistance with their cadaver K-9s in search of Natasha Nelson. DASO investigators made contact with campers in the area and advised them of Nelson’s disappearance and requested them to contact DASO if they came across anything of suspicion.
One day later, on May 8th, the campers whom we had previously made contact with did call DASO. The citizens advised they may have possibly found what appeared to be decomposing human remains not too far from where Nelson was last seen camping.
Investigators on scene confirmed those remains to be human. A set of car keys belonging to Nelson were found nearby leading investigators to believe the remains may be that of Nelsons. The human remains were found approximately a quarter of a mile away from Nelsons vehicle. Until an autopsy is completed by the Office of Medical Investigators and a positive identification can be made through medical records DASO cannot confirm the human remains to be Natasha Nelson. Investigators are working diligently on this case and have been in contact with Nelson’s family who reside in Oregon. DASO will treat this case as a possible crime until foul play can be ruled out. Investigation remains ongoing.
DASO would like to thank the diligent citizens and agencies who went the extra mile in assisting us in the special case.
Information from DASO