New Caney, TX — Human remains believed to be those of Maria Veronica Ortiz Estrada, a New Caney woman reported missing last month, have been recovered in a wooded area near her home, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
Ortiz was reported missing by her family in July after leaving her residence on foot in the Oak Knoll area of New Caney. Her family had reported that she was experiencing memory and confusion issues.
MCSO, working with Texas Search and Rescue, recovered the remains Sunday in a wooded area near Ortiz’s residence and close to where she was last seen.
Investigators said preliminary findings are consistent with the remains being those of Ortiz. Definitive identification is expected later this week through dental records.
Authorities said no foul play is suspected at this time. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation, although preliminary information indicates Ortiz may have died of natural causes in the wooded area.
The search for Ortiz involved MCSO deputies and detectives along with Texas Search and Rescue, Montgomery County Search and Rescue, Texas EquuSearch, The Call Service, volunteers, friends and family.