CONYERS, GA — Human remains that were discovered 10 years ago have been identified as those of a metro Atlanta woman who was reported missing three decades ago.

Through DNA analysis, Conyers police and investigators have confirmed the identity of human remains as Tammy Fortson.

Fortson was reported missing in 1997 from the Fox Chase Court area.

“In 2016, skeletal remains were discovered near Christian Circle, an area believed to be one of the last known locations where Tammy was seen,” Conyers police officials said. “As the investigation continued, portions of the recovered remains were submitted to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification in 2019 for advanced DNA analysis. Over the years, the investigation was reviewed by multiple detectives.”

The case was reassigned to Lt. Hinds, who renewed the investigation and worked with the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification in 2024.

DNA testing later determined the remains were “approximately 104 million times more likely to be the biological child of Ms. Beckhold than an unrelated individual.”

Investigators later provided the information to the GBI, and the medical examiner was able to positively identify the remains as those of Fortson in July 2026.

“This identification represents a significant milestone in a case that has remained unresolved for many years. 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,” Conyers police officials said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Newton County Sheriff’s Office at 470-426-4294.

The investigation into her death remains active.