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DNA confirms skull found in San Antonio is woman who vanished in 2016, family says

SAN ANTONIO — The family of a Texas woman who vanished more than five years ago said DNA confirmed that a skull found near a San Antonio flea market belonged to the missing mother and grandmother.

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In a Facebook post, Maria Jesus Llamas’ said the skull, found near the Poteet Flea Market in September 2021 by dove hunters, matched the woman’s DNA.

Llamas, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was last seen at the flea market with her husband on Nov. 20, 2016, KSAT-TV reported. At some point, Llamas wandered away from her husband. Surveillance video showed her walking through the flea market, according to KENS-TV.

When a skull was found in 2021, Llamas family was told that the Bexar County Medical Examiner was unable to retrieve DNA from the skull since the bones were “too bleached,” the television station reported. The skull was later sent to forensic investigators at the University of North Texas.

The skull was discovered in an area approximately 3,200 feet from the flea market. Llamas’ son, Refugio Llama, said his family is familiar with the area and was surprised the skull was uncovered there.

“We were up and down that area so much and for that skull to be found, it’s hard to believe we could’ve missed something,” he told KSAT in November 2022.

Maria Llamas’ daughter, Margie Llamas, wrote on Facebook that her family was “extremely grateful” for the support they had received since Maria Llamas’ disappearance.

“While our hearts are broken by today’s confirmation, we can now begin the healing process and eventually have closure. We know there will always be questions left unanswered,” Margie Llamas wrote. “These last six years have been extremely hard for our family, yet our faith and trust in each other and finding answers has never wavered.”

A memorial service will be scheduled and announced when arrangements are complete, family members said.