Human remains believed to be those of Maria Ortiz, the 58-year-old New Caney woman who vanished three weeks ago, were recovered Sunday, Aug. 9, in a wooded area near her home, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office announced.
No foul play is suspected.
Preliminary findings indicate Ortiz may have died of natural causes, according to the sheriff's office, per a statement published by Woodlands Online. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Definitive identification through dental records is expected later this week, though preliminary investigative findings are consistent with the remains being those of Ortiz.
Ortiz was reported missing July 20 after leaving her residence in the Oak Knoll area of New Caney on foot. Her family told authorities she experienced memory and confusion issues and had shown serious signs of dementia for six years.
The sheriff's office, led by Sheriff Wesley Doolittle, said it searched for Ortiz over the three weeks following her disappearance. Five organizations coordinated the effort: MCSO, Texas Search and Rescue, Montgomery County Search and Rescue, Texas EquuSearch and The Call Service. Family members, friends and volunteers also participated.
MCSO Persons Crimes Detectives, Major Crimes Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene Sunday and continue to investigate.
The MCSO's verified account on X confirmed the recovery Sunday.
As we reported Aug. 5, Ortiz's disappearance drew attention to the Montgomery Police Department's "Take Me Home" registry, a free program for families of residents with dementia. Ortiz was not enrolled at the time she went missing. The program had only seven enrollees as of early August.
Lt. Joe Belmares of the Montgomery Police Department said Aug. 3 that if officers "can search the database we have for the Take Me Home program, this form will populate and it could help aid them in recovery."
The sheriff's office expressed appreciation for the partner agencies, volunteers and media outlets that shared information during the search.
Anyone with information about this case can call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at (936) 538-5900.
