Loved ones pressing for answers after missing Etna woman’s remains found

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — Loved ones are holding onto hope for justice and closure after a missing woman’s remains were discovered more than three years after she vanished.

Channel 11 spoke with the family of Kaylene Oehling on Monday, after officials confirmed her death.

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They told us the discovery “starts the journey for justice.”

According to Pittsburgh Police, human remains were discovered by hunters in a wooded area near train tracks running alongside Washington Boulevard in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood on Sunday, March 19.

On Friday, Kaylene’s mom, Tiffany Young, received a call from investigators.

Through tears, Young told us she was informed that the Medical Examiner was able to use Kaylene’s dental records to make the confirmation.

“I muted the phone and I screamed,” Young said.

”That day changed my life,” Kaylene’s sister, Hailey Oehling said. “My life will never be the same.”

The Medical Examiner has not yet listed a cause or manner of death. In the past, Allegheny County police told Channel 11 that the case is suspicious, and they confirmed that they do have suspects. 

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A memorial is growing near the wooded area in Pittsburgh where the missing Etna woman was found.

On Monday, Channel 11 was there as Pittsburgh officers blocked the area off with tape. The area had previously been open. We were told by a spokesperson that Pittsburgh officers are providing “support and resources” throughout the investigation, but that County Police remain the lead.

“She didn’t come here on her own accord. She was brought here,” said Paul Young, Kaylene’s uncle.

A County Police spokesperson told us Monday that this is an “open and active” investigation, with additional details not being released.

Family members question why Kaylene’s remains weren’t found sooner.

“We hope that this becomes a bigger priority than it’s been for the last three years,” said Paul. “If you look over the hillside, it’s all garbage. She wasn’t garbage. She belonged to a family that loved her and cared about her. She’s been missed.”

A GoFundMe has been launched to assist with Kaylene’s funeral expenses.

No one has ever been charged in Kaylene’s disappearance.

Channel 11 previously reported that her ex-boyfriend, Michael Manno, was arrested for allegedly sending an explicit photograph of Kaylene to Hailey, who was a minor at the time. Manno pleaded no contest.

Manno contacted the Channel 11 newsroom over the weekend, following our news coverage on Friday.

In a follow-up conversation on Monday, he told us that he “had nothing to do with whatever” happened to Kaylene.

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