Minn. victim ID'd in Wyoming cold-case slaying

Wyoming authorities have identified a homicide victim found nearly 31 years ago as Mary Lynn Andersen, a Gillette resident who had moved to the city from Minnesota.

The Campbell County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday the 23-year-old was identified using genetic data from her family.

The Gillette News-Record reported Thursday Andersen's body was found in August 1983. She had been buried in a shallow grave in a gravel pit, and a worker operating a bulldozer uncovered clothing that led to her remains.

Authorities ruled the death a homicide because they found evidence of trauma. Details of her injuries haven't been released.

Investigators say she was married to Herb Shondel, who died in 2002.

She had a daughter who is now 34. Authorities haven't released the daughter's name or hometown.

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