Rana Nofal Soluri, a 47-year-old flight attendant who disappeared from Fort Worth in March 2025, has been identified through DNA testing as the woman whose remains were found in a Texas creek. Authorities say her former roommate, Dennis Day, is charged with murder in connection with her death. The remains were discovered beneath a bridge in Montague County more than a year after Soluri was reported missing. A second person, Joni Thomas, also known as Joanne Walters, faces an evidence-tampering charge.
| 1) | DNA identification of the remains |
|---|---|
| 2) | Soluri’s disappearance and work history |
| 3) | Murder allegations against the former roommate |
| 4) | Additional evidence and pending charges |
| 5) | Family’s efforts and funeral arrangements |
DNA identification of the remains
A fisherman found human remains on June 13 along the bank of Brushy Creek beneath a bridge in Montague County, about 70 miles northwest of Fort Worth. The remains were sent to the University of North Texas Health’s Center for Human Identification. DNA testing later confirmed that they belonged to Soluri, ending an extended period of uncertainty for her family and investigators.
The discovery occurred more than a year after Soluri vanished and after authorities had already charged a former roommate in her alleged killing. The identification provides prosecutors with confirmation of the victim’s identity, although the criminal cases remain pending.
Soluri’s disappearance and work history
Soluri worked for Envoy Air, a regional carrier owned by American Airlines. She took time off for a minor operation and was expected to return to work on March 31, 2025, but did not resume her duties or respond to attempts to contact her.
A co-worker reported her missing on June 11, 2025, after months passed without contact. Investigators later focused on Day, who had been Soluri’s roommate and longtime friend in Fort Worth. The circumstances of her disappearance led police to examine activity at the home they shared.
Murder allegations against the former roommate
Dennis Day, 67, was arrested in June 2025 and charged with murder. According to an arrest warrant, investigators allege that Day acknowledged losing control during a dispute with Soluri and strangling her with his hands.
The allegations state that the killing occurred inside the Fort Worth residence. Day reportedly told investigators that he dragged Soluri’s body into the backyard, placed it headfirst in a large black trash bin and transported it roughly 70 miles before throwing it from a bridge. These allegations have not been resolved in court.
Additional evidence and pending charges
Police said surveillance footage from Day’s home on March 21, 2025, showed him dragging what appeared to be a lifeless body from the house into the backyard. Investigators also described an accidental phone call and message captured on another woman’s device in which Day appeared to ask for help moving Soluri’s body.
Joni Thomas, 63, who is also known as Joanne Walters, was charged with tampering with evidence with intent to impair a human corpse. Police allege that she assisted Day with disposing of the remains. Both the murder case and the evidence-tampering case remain pending.
Investigators allege that Day believed he could avoid a murder conviction while Soluri’s body remained missing.
Family’s efforts and funeral arrangements
A fundraiser established for Soluri’s daughter, Lulu Soluri, said American Airlines helped transport her mother’s remains to Seattle for a Muslim burial. The burial took place on September 29.
The fundraiser also said Lulu plans to travel to Texas for a future court date, where she is expected to deliver a statement. It described the appearance as a difficult but important step for a family member facing the person accused of killing her mother.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | DNA testing identified the remains as those of Rana Nofal Soluri. |
| 2 | Soluri disappeared after taking medical leave from her airline job. |
| 3 | Dennis Day faces a pending murder charge. |
| 4 | Joni Thomas faces an evidence-tampering charge. |
| 5 | Soluri was buried in Seattle in a Muslim funeral service. |
Summary
DNA confirmation has identified the remains found in Brushy Creek as those of Rana Nofal Soluri, whose disappearance began a homicide investigation in Fort Worth. Prosecutors now have confirmation of the victim’s identity as the murder and evidence-tampering cases proceed. Soluri’s family has arranged her burial and is preparing for future court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rana Nofal Soluri?
She was a 47-year-old flight attendant who worked for Envoy Air and lived in Fort Worth.
How were her remains identified?
DNA testing at the University of North Texas Health’s Center for Human Identification confirmed that remains found near Brushy Creek belonged to Soluri.
Who has been charged in the case?
Former roommate Dennis Day faces a murder charge, while Joni Thomas, also known as Joanne Walters, faces a charge related to tampering with evidence involving a human corpse.
