Remains of woman missing since '82 discovered in Monterey.

Sandra McGee went missing on the night of December 9, 1982. Last Wednesday, Sept. 2, a landscaping contractor discovered her skeletal remains in Monterey. 

A statement from the Monterey Police Department says her body was uncovered at a residence on the 1100 block of Third Street, just east of El Estero Park. 

According to information collected by the Charley Project, a nonprofit website that profiles missing persons, McGee, then 32, lived in Seaside and was having a few drinks at North Fremont's Brickhouse Bar (which later became Eddie's, and is now shuttered).

On her way back home, she picked up Alfred Powell, a Monterey resident who was hitchhiking. Once back at her place, her brother and roommate reported that she left to take Powell home. 

She was last seen pumping gas at a Quik Stop on north Fremont Street in Monterey. 

Powell was arrested less than a year later for killing another young woman and is serving a life sentence. He is currently being held at Solano State Prison. 

No charges were ever brought against Powell regarding McGee's disappearance, although her car was discovered near his house. 

As of this writing, Monterey Police have not responded for further comment. MPD is still working the case, and anyone with information is encouraged to call 646-3814, or the confidential tip line at 646-3840.

UPDATE: 

Monterey Police Lt. Jeff Jackson confirms that the home where McGee's remains were discovered was the former residence of Alfred Powell, who lived in the garage. 

Jackson says the remains weren't positively identified until Sept. 9, as they had to be sent to the Santa Cruz County Coroner's Office for an archaeological analysis. 

After the body was discovered, investigators undertook a full excavation of the yard. Jackson says more evidence was uncovered, but isn't at liberty to discuss what. 

"The circumstance that [Powell] lived there is definitely a clue," Jackson says. 

MPD investigators paid a visit to Powell Sept. 9, the day they identified body. Jackson adds that the information from the Charley Project is accurate, and he had its report of McGee lying on his desk. 

Jackson says investigators are working to put together enough evidence to build a strong case before sending it to the County District Attorney's Office. Investigators interviewed neighbors by the house, but none of them knew who Powell was. 

"They’re not always the easiest cases, but we’re going to do our best," Jackson says, referring to cold cases. "It’s definitely an unusual case."

CORRECTION (12:15pm): This story originally stated Powell owned the home where the remains were found; as is now written above, he lived in the garage.