Headless torso found in Bay Area is ID’d as missing mother

A headless torso found in a Bay Area levee belonged to a mother who was reported missing and whose husband later committed suicide by jumping off the San Francisco Bay Bridge, Alameda County coroner’s officials confirmed.

Coroner’s investigators used a right thumbprint from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to identify Shelly Titchener, 57, of Brisbane, officials said Wednesday.

Titchener was reported missing Feb. 15, two days after she left home to spend time with a friend and never returned, according to the Brisbane Police Department.

Her husband, Paul Titchener, 62, committed suicide last Tuesday, just hours after conducting a television interview about his wife’s disappearance.

Brisbane police said Wednesday that Paul Titchener is a suspect in his wife’s disappearance and death.

“We are not commenting on what information has led us to this determination,� a police statement said. “We are continuing to investigate whether or not Paul acted alone in this case.�

Police were working to obtain warrants to search computers and mobile devices belonging to the couple. The electronic devices were taken during a search of the couple’s home and Paul Titchener’s business office on Feb. 24.

The San Mateo County Crime Lab will analyze the devices. Police were also trying to obtain license plate information as well as records of the couple’s bank and credit card use in the days leading up to the incidents.

At the time of her disappearance, police received a tip that Shelly Titchener was seen Feb. 15 at a Nordstrom in San Mateo. But police now say surveillance footage does not substantiate the reported sighting.

Police were also working to verify statements made by a neighbor who reported seeing her that day.

Paul Titchener had told police that he was concerned about his wife’s well-being because she had left home without her medication and cellphone and her access to money was limited, police said.

At the time, police said that they did not have any evidence to indicate foul play and that the couple had no history of domestic violence.

Then on Feb. 21, people fishing near Dumbarton Pier in Fremont reported finding a female torso. Officers who responded to the call said they found the remains on a levee near Marshlands Road.

Authorities found additional remains Sunday along the shoreline near the Dumbarton Bridge, Brisbane police said.

As they investigated the case of the unidentified torso, police began looking more closely at Shelly Titchener’s disappearance.

In the television interview, Paul Titchener told a KRON-TV reporter the couple had argued the night she disappeared.

“Maybe it was a red flag that her thinking wasn’t that clear,� he told the reporter. “She was a little upset at the time.�

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