Wendy Jamie Abrams‑Nishikai was a 21‑year‑old student at UC Berkeley and the mother of a young daughter when she was last seen in Berkeley, California on October 31, 1989. Reports describe her as approximately 5′2″ tall and 120 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes; she was a white female with distinctive features including a cross tattoo on her chest and a scar on the right side of her chest.
In early February 1990, human remains were discovered off a rural embankment along Yankee Jims Road near Colfax, Placer County, California, about an hour northeast of Berkeley near Lake Tahoe. Investigators were unable at that time to identify the remains, which remained classified as a Jane Doe for over 35 years.
Nearly three and a half decades later, advances in forensic genealogy prompted the Placer County Sheriff’s Office to form a Cold Case Investigations team in 2023. Working with the Placer County District Attorney’s office and the California DOJ Laboratory in Richmond, authorities were able to extract DNA, including from preserved fingernail samples, to locate likely next‑of‑kin in 2024. Additional DNA from family members was obtained, and in January 2025 the remains were officially confirmed as those of Wendy Abrams‑Nishikai.
Despite the identification, the circumstances of Wendy’s death remain undetermined. Officials have stated that they believe foul play likely occurred and are continuing to investigate, with hopes of identifying anyone responsible. Loved ones, including her brother Dale Abrams and childhood friends Maria Recht and Aimee Sessions, have expressed sorrow at finally receiving confirmation and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward to help bring justice and closure to her daughter and family.
Authorities continue to seek more information on her disappearance and death. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has invited tips via as the case remains actively under review.Last Seen: Oct 31, 1989
