New York State Police have confirmed they have DNA evidence that links missing McAllen woman to Michael Mele, a registered sex offender she met at a Manhattan nightclub.
Garza has been missing since December 2008 when she left the night club and was never seen again.
Authorities identified Mele as a person of interest in the case early in the investigation but never found any evidence to charge him with her disappearance.
FOX 5 News from New York City reports that state police found a DNA link between Garza and Mele.
The TV station reported that state police sent the DNA evidence to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for review.
FOX 5 News reported that sources did not elaborate on the nature of the DNA link.
The New York City TV station reported that authorities searched Mele's home and car looking for evidence shortly after Garza’s disappearance.
FOX 5 News reported that authorities also searched through the woods in Orange, Sullivan, and Dutchess Counties, looking for Garza's body and clues but never found anything.
Click here to read the full story from FOX 5 News
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