Remains Identified as Missing Ventura Girl

Authorities confirmed Tuesday that the remains found scattered in the Pine Mountain area over the weekend were those of Nichole Lee “Nickki” Hendrix, a 17-year-old Ventura girl who disappeared in October.

Authorities are now investigating the case as a homicide but say they have no serious suspects.

The Ventura County medical examiner used dental records to make the identification. Further autopsy results, including information on the time and cause of death, may be released today.

“The remains have been down there for quite some time, several months,” Ventura County Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Regan said.

Hendrix, who sporadically attended Pacific High School, a continuation school in Ventura, was last seen Oct. 15. On the night she disappeared, authorities said, she telephoned her parents to say she would be home soon and to leave the door unlocked.

Hendrix’s remains were discovered Sunday close to where authorities found the naked body of 14-year-old Kali Manley of Ojai, who was strangled last December. Investigators dismissed speculation that the two cases are connected and added that Hendrix’s death also does not appear related to the recent slayings of three young women in San Luis Obispo County.

Hendrix’s mother, Shelly Holland, said the discovery of her missing daughter’s remains “helps us as a family to be able to put her to rest and go on with our lives.” The family has scheduled a memorial service for Monday.