The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office announced that human remains discovered nearly three years ago have been identified as those of 52-year-old Lea Michelle Sayre. The confirmation came on December 5, giving long-awaited closure to her family.
Sayre, who had been living in Putnam County, cut off all contact with loved ones in late 2022 and disappeared. She left her dog with a friend and never reconnected. Family members in California told investigators earlier this year that she had recently faced legal issues, and they believed she might have gone into hiding. No missing person report was ever filed.
In early January 2023, neighbors walking along a wooded area off Cedar Creek Cutoff Road found a human skull. Deputies and detectives responded and located additional skeletal remains, including hair suspended in a tree. The remains were fully skeletonized, and no identifying items were found. The Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory later confirmed the remains belonged to a woman, though no missing female had been reported in Putnam or nearby counties.
Once the medical examiner completed its review, DNA was sent to Othram, a Texas-based biotech company that specializes in identifying unknown remains through advanced forensic sequencing. Their work was funded by a new state-supported DNA and genealogy grant, designed to help agencies in smaller counties solve long-term cold cases.
On September 10, Othram provided investigators with a report listing potential family connections. On October 6, two relatives in California contacted detectives and shared information about Sayre, confirming that she had been living in Putnam County when communication with her stopped. They also provided details about Sayre’s biological father, whose DNA profile appeared in Othram’s findings.
Last week, investigators received the final DNA confirmation identifying the remains as Sayre. Her death was ruled a suicide.
“A family now has closure and can now mourn and grieve their loss without having to stress and wonder what happened,” Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach said. “We are grateful for the state providing this grant, which gives small counties access to the cutting-edge technology Othram provides.”
The sheriff’s office also emphasized the importance of checking on loved ones, especially during the holiday season. Anyone experiencing emotional distress or mental health struggles is urged to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where trained counselors are available around the clock.
This marks the second case the agency has resolved with the help of Othram. In 2024, their technology helped identify the remains of William Monroe, a previously unidentified homicide victim from 1980.
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