Remains found in search for missing New Caney woman

NEW CANEY, Texas – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says investigators have recovered human remains believed to be those of Maria Ortiz, a New Caney resident reported missing last month.

Maria Veronica Ortiz Estrada was reported missing by family members in July, after she left her residence in the Oak Knoll area of New Caney on foot. Relatives told investigators Ortiz had been experiencing memory and confusion issues.

Carla Ortiz said her mother has shown significant signs of dementia for approximately six years. Her condition appeared to worsen after she lost her job and her daily routine during the COVID-19 pandemic, around the same time her own mother died.

“She wants to go to her mom’s house,” Carla said. “Sometimes she doesn’t remember us.”

According to MCSO, the agency worked with Texas Search and Rescue to locate the remains in a wooded area near Ortiz’s home, close to where she was last seen. Officials said definitive identification is expected later this week through dental records, but preliminary investigative findings are consistent with the remains being Ortiz.

MCSO deputies and detectives have conducted an ongoing search, following up on multiple leads and coordinating with Texas Search and Rescue, Montgomery County Search and Rescue, Texas EquuSearch, The Call Service, and volunteers, friends, and family.

At this time, officials said no foul play is suspected. The cause and manner of death are still under investigation, but investigators said early information indicates Ortiz may have died of natural causes in the wooded area.