Vigil held for missing teen Kristen Galvan six years after her disappearance

MISSOURI CITY, Texas (KTRK) -- A grieving mother finally has answers as a vigil was held for Kristen Galvan, a teen who went missing in January 2020 after becoming a victim of human trafficking.

According to the Texas Attorney General's Office, human remains found in Missouri City were identified as those of Galvan, who was 15 at the time of her disappearance.

The remains were found in 2020, but they were only able to be officially confirmed as Galvan's in July 2026.

READ MORE: Remains found in 2020 identified as missing Spring teen, Texas Attorney General's Office says

On Saturday night, near the same location where the remains were found, friends and family gathered to remember Galvan.

The candlelight vigil included a butterfly release, and Galvan's mother, Robyn Bennet, said it was a chance to finally lay her daughter to rest.

Renowned forensic artist Lois Gibson was also in attendance, and Bennet told ABC13 that if it weren't for Gibson, she believes her daughter's remains would have never been identified.

Using only the remains of Galvan's damaged skull, Gibson sketched what Kristen looked like with near-perfect accuracy. After Gibson's sketch, it took DNA sampling and help from a missing-persons nonprofit before the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office was able to identify Galvan last month.

At the vigil, Gibson and Bennet met for the first time in person. They shared a long and tearful embrace.

"I got to her with my art in the best way, the way she needed," Gibson said. "If this was the only case I worked, my whole life would be made."

How Galvan died and who killed her is still unsolved, but Bennet said that "identification isn't justice, it's just the beginning."

Bennet said she will keep fighting so that no other child has to suffer as her daughter did.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Remains of missing Houston-area teen Kristen Galvan identified 6 years after disappearance: Officials