CONYERS, Ga. — Human remains discovered in 2016 have been identified as those of a metro Atlanta woman who disappeared nearly three decades ago.
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Conyers police announced Monday that the remains were identified as Tammy Fortson, who was reported missing in 1997 from the Fox Chase Court area.
Despite extensive investigative efforts, the case eventually went cold.
In 2016, skeletal remains were discovered near Christian Circle, an area believed to be one of the last places Fortson was seen.
The remains were submitted to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification in 2019 for advanced DNA analysis. However, investigators were unable to establish a positive identification for several years.
In 2024, the case was reassigned to Lt. Hinds, who renewed investigative efforts and coordinated additional forensic testing.
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According to police, DNA analysis determined the remains were 104 million times more likely to belong to the biological child of Ms. Beckhold than to an unrelated individual.
“While it cannot erase the pain experienced by Tammy’s family, we hope it provides them with some measure of answers and allows the investigation to move forward,” the CPD said.
Investigators provided the findings to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the medical examiner positively identified the remains as Fortson’s in July 2026.
The investigation into Fortson’s death remains active and ongoing. Detectives continue to seek information about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newton County Sheriff’s Office at 470-426-4294.
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