On November 21, 2017, the body of a female identified as Katye Curtis Rodriguez was found in Mesquite, Texas. Though her identity was known, authorities faced a deeply challenging situation: locating her next of kin proved elusive. Her death was officially pronounced in Dallas, Texas, placing jurisdiction with the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.
The case was registered under NamUs ID UCP146466 and internally logged as case number IFS-17-20929. Despite efforts from the medical examiner’s office to make familial contact, Rodriguez remained unclaimed, triggering a protocol designed for individuals who pass away without an immediate connection to surviving relatives.
The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, located at 2355 North Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, took charge of managing the investigation and postmortem analysis. Their staff, trained in the delicate and often emotionally charged work of death investigation, continued searching for possible leads that might reveal Rodriguez’s family connections. Their contact number for inquiries is 214-920-5900, and further information about their mission and services is available at their official website.
This case remains a poignant reminder of those who die alone, and of the importance of continued efforts to reunite unclaimed decedents with those who knew and loved them.
Date Found: 11/21/2017
