Investigators pursue tips in woman’s 2003 death

The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is looking for new information related to the 2003 death of a woman “known to frequent Las Vegas and Laughlin.”

Mille Rae Ruth Dauster, who was 44, was found dead 10 miles northeast of Laughlin on Dec. 27, 2003. Her body was recovered in the desert about a quarter-mile from Katherine Mine Road, according to a Friday statement from the sheriff’s office.

“It appeared to detectives that the body was dragged to the location, however previous storms washed away any identifiable tracks in the area,” Friday’s statement said. “There were obvious signs of trauma to the the victim’s body.”

Public Information Officer Anita Mortensen said the department’s new special investigations unit is reinvestigating the case with the hope that someone who wasn’t comfortable speaking 17 years ago may be more willing now. Mortensen said Dauster’s family didn’t know where she lived at the time of her death, but she had lived in Las Vegas and Laughlin.

Anyone with information may call the Special Investigations Unit at 928-7530753, ext. 4408.