Remains of missing Alaska teenager discovered two years after they disappeared.

The remains of an Alaska teenager who had been missing for nearly two years have been discovered, prompting a murder investigation, according to authorities. Ataja Banks, an 18-year-old from Anchorage, was reported missing on October 21, 2023. Her family had last communicated with her in mid-September of that year, and she was last seen in the Mat-Su Valley area.

Despite extensive efforts to locate her following her disappearance, authorities were unable to find any trace of Banks until September 4, 2025, when state troopers uncovered human remains along Moose Meadows Road in Wasilla. Subsequent examinations by the State Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the remains belonged to Banks.

In an official update on the investigation, state troopers indicated that an autopsy had been completed, although the precise cause of death has yet to be released. Further, investigators believe that Banks was the victim of homicide. The Alaska Bureau of Investigation is actively pursuing further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death.

While investigators have not disclosed specific evidence that led them to conclude Banks had been murdered, the ongoing nature of the investigation suggests that authorities are methodically working to uncover crucial details. As the case unfolds, the community remains on high alert, grappling with the tragic loss of a young life.

Missing persons cases can often be complex and prolonged, and Banks’ case is no exception. The long duration between her disappearance and the discovery of her remains has raised a number of questions among family members, friends, and the general public. The Anchorage community is now seeking closure and justice for Banks, as authorities push for answers in what is being treated as a homicide investigation.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward, recognizing the critical role that community involvement plays in solving such tragic instances. As investigators continue their work, they remain focused on ensuring that Ataja Banks’ story is not forgotten and that justice is served.

This case highlights the difficult realities of missing persons investigations and the emotional toll they take on families and communities alike. The investigation remains active, and updates from law enforcement will be crucial in the forthcoming days as they endeavor to piece together the events leading up to Banks’ tragic fate.