SUGARLOAF TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police announced remains found in Luzerne County have been identified as a woman missing for 30 years.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, on December 12, 1994, skeletal remains of a woman were discovered off Tomhicken Road in Sugarloaf Township, during a mining reclamation project.
For approximately 30 years, investigators followed leads and made comparisons in an attempt toidentify the remains.
Through recent advancements in DNA technology and forensic genealogy, a possible relative of this unidentified woman was discovered. Investigators say they interviewed the relative an additional DNA sample was obtained confirming the relative was her sister.
State police report the unidentified woman has been positively identified as Margaret Carol Wininger born on September 5, 1948.
Active police presence in Luzerne County neighborhood
Wininger High School Year Book Picture
1996 Facial Reconstruction
Wininger attended West Hazelton High School from 1965-1966. She went missing in the early 1990s when she was living with her family in Northeast Philadelphia.
Due to the condition of the remains, a cause and manner of death could not be determined.
The investigation is ongoing, and troopers are asking the public for information related to Wininger's return to the area in the early 1990s.
Anyone who had contact with her during that time is asked to contact Trooper Brian Noll, Pennsylvania State Police Troop N Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit, at 570-220-8475 or bnoll@pa.gov.
