Skeleton remains identified as missing 20-year-old Georgian woman

Authorities have confirmed the identity of a missing 20-year-old Georgia woman whose skeletal remains were found in Tennessee earlier this year.

According to a May 31 press release from the Cobb County Police Department in Georgia, the remains were found on January 5 in a rural part of Chatanooga, Tennessee. The Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office later identified them as belonging to Maury-Ange Faith Martinez of Alpharetta, Georgia.

The Cobb County Police Department said Martinez was initially reported missing in Gwinnett County on Aug. 28, 2023. ABC affiliate WSB and NBC affiliate WXIA reported that Martinez was last seen leaving the Gwinnett County Jail at the time of his disappearance. However, further investigation by police revealed that his last known location was in Cobb County.

“We urge anyone who may have seen or may have had contact with Maury-Ange at the time of his disappearance or may have information relating to his case to come forward,” Cobb County police said of the ongoing investigation.

Anita Darling, Martinez's mother, told WXIA that the news of her daughter's death was difficult, saying, “You are totally torn.” Then there's the heartbreak of realizing you've lost your child. My children are like everything to me. It was horrible. It was huge.

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Darling also said, according to the outlet, that the last time she was with Martinez was on August 17, 2023, for a meal and a movie.

The mother also told WXIA she was ready to pick up Martinez at a metro Atlanta courthouse when Martinez called her and told her she had a ride. Martinez did not respond to his mother's text message afterward.

“I thought it was someone who worked at the establishment,” recalls Darling, who was offered a ride to his daughter. “So I thought, 'Oh, that seemed logical.' I had a conversation with her about it. It still seemed a little strange. I got off the phone with her and felt uncomfortable.”

Darling said her daughter was in ROTC, adding that the family plans to donate the remains for medical research.

Cobb County police said anyone with information about the case should call them at 770-499-3945.