Remains of Missing Los Angeles Woman found in New Mexico NR19056ti

March 6, 2019

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division, announce the discovery of the remains of Denise Coultas found in New Mexico.

On Wednesday, February 27th, 2019, detectives from Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division were notified by detectives from the New Mexico Board of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Service, that the remains of a human being were found on the Acoma Indian Reservation near the location that Los Angeles resident Denise Coultas had left her vehicle.

A joint investigation has been ongoing since November 2018 when Ms. Coultas’s vehicle was found abandoned. Searches for Ms. Coultas have been conducted since she went missing, however weather and rugged terrain hindered some of the operations. On February 28th, Ms. Coultas remains were positively identified by New Mexico officials and her family was notified. No foul play is suspected. Ms. Coultas suffered from a diminished mental capacity and had a history of wandering away from her family.

Any questions may be directed to Detective Santillan, Robbery Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section, at (213) 486-6890. During non-business hours or on weekends, please contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.