Remains of Missing Houston Teen Kristen Galvan Identified More Than Six Years After Her Disappearance

HOUSTON, TX -- After more than six years of searching, Kristen "Kiki" Galvan's family has finally received the answers they have long sought.

Through extensive forensic DNA testing, investigators with the Texas Attorney General's Office officially identified the remains of a previously unidentified Jane Doe who was discovered Missouri City, Texas, shortly after Kristen disappeared. The remains have now been positively confirmed to be those of Kristen Galvan.

"The confirmation of Kristen's identity and the answers her family has fought so hard to obtain are the result of the unwavering dedication and persistence of the Texas Attorney General's Office and its Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit, whose commitment to seeking justice for victims never wavers," said John Bischoff, Vice President of the Missing Children Division at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. "Kristen's case is a powerful reminder that even after years have passed, answers are still possible. When investigators, forensic scientists and, victim advocates work together, time does not have to be a barrier to finding the truth and bringing long-awaited answers to families."

The sentiment was echoed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who launched the Cold Case Unit in 2021 and has since helped bring answers to several cases.

“I launched my Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit to secure justice for victims and to provide closure to families whose lives have been forever changed by violent crime,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Right now, I ask every Texan to join me in praying for Kristen Galvan’s family during this unimaginably difficult time. My office will continue to work on cases with agencies and law enforcement across the state on behalf of innocent victims and their loved ones.”

While this confirmation brings an end to the search for Kristen, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter as investigators continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death and seek justice on her behalf.

The family of Kristen shared with NCMEC that they are grateful for everyone’s continued support, "For more than six years, we searched for our beautiful daughter, Kristen. Through every unanswered question, every lead, every sleepless night, and every heartbreak, we never gave up. We held onto hope that one day we would have answers and be able to bring our daughter home.

Today, while our hearts are shattered beyond words, we are grateful that Kristen will be finally home with her family. Nothing can erase the pain of losing her or the years that were taken from us, but bringing her home allows us to lay her to rest with the love and dignity she has always deserved.”

The forensic testing that led to Kristen's identification was supported through the Children's Justice Project, a collaborative initiative of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Through the project, NCMEC provided funding to Bode Technology and Astrea Forensics to conduct the advanced DNA testing that ultimately helped identify Kristen's remains.

Throughout the search for Kristen, her family remained steadfast in their commitment to keeping her story in the public eye while advocating for victims of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking in the Houston area. Their efforts helped raise awareness of these issues and inspired meaningful conversations about protecting vulnerable children and supporting victims. In recognition of those efforts, the City of Houston proclaimed April 20, Kristen's birthday, as "Kiki's Day" in 2024.

As they mourn this devastating loss, Kristen's family asks for privacy.

Because this remains an open criminal investigation, specific case details cannot be released at this time. Anyone with information regarding Kristen Galvan is encouraged to contact the Texas Attorney General's Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit at coldcaseunit@oag.texas.gov. Anonymous tips are welcome.

To Read NCMEC’s Blog about Kristen’s Family Advocacy - Houston Family Finally Has Answers: A Message From Kristen Galvan's Family

Texas Attorney General Statement