Skeletal remains found Thursday east of Bridgeport have been tentatively identified as Monica Sanford, who has been missing since last summer. SUBMITTED
A body discovered in a rural area near Bridgeport Thursday has tentatively been identified as that of a woman missing from the area for nearly seven months.
The Wise County Sheriff’s Office tentatively identified skeletal remains located in the area of County Road 3225 and Cuba Road as 48-year-old Monica Rene Sanford, who was last seen Aug. 24, 2025, in the area where the remains were discovered.
“The remains … were recovered by investigators and forensic personnel,” WCSO Chief Deputy Eric Debus said in a news release Friday. “Following examination of additional property found at the scene, the remains have been tentatively identified as Monica Rene Sanford.”
He said a landowner discovered the remains while rounding up cattle.
The remains were found in the area of Cuba Road and CR 3225, the area where Monica Sanford went missing. MICAH MCCARTNEY/WCMESSENGER
Sanford was reported missing Aug. 25, 2025.
Since that time, investigators have worked to gather evidence related to her disappearance, including coordinating with partner agencies.
“Our detectives have remained committed to this case from the very beginning,” Debus said. “While the discovery of her remains is a difficult outcome, our investigators will continue working diligently to uncover the truth and pursue justice.”
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death remain active and ongoing, according to the news release. Debus said no one is in custody in the case at this time.
“Detectives are continuing to pursue all available leads to determine what occurred,” he stated in the news release.
The remains will be sent to a forensic anthropologist at the University of North Texas for examination.
No other details are being released at this time out of respect for the family, the WCSO said.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Wise County Sheriff’s Office at 940-627-5971 or submit a tip through Wise County Crime Stoppers at 940-627-TIPS (8477).
Loading Comments