Late Wednesday, a utility worker in Carlile found human skeletal remains, believed to be that of missing Union County nurse Maria Fernandez.
The Sheriff's Office says the remains were found near train tracks at Herbert Road and High Point Road. Sheriff David Taylor says his office has no idea how long the remains were there.
Deputies and SLED agents spent the night and Thursday investigating the find. Sheriff Taylor says he is nearly certain the remains are those of the 31-year-old. She had been missing since Sept. 2008.
Using dental records a tentative match was made.
Taylor says foul play is suspected in the woman's death, but was unable to give a cause.
He told the family he doesn't know how Fernandez died, but promised he would find out who is responsible for her death.
"This is a very emotional case for everyone involved," Taylor said.
Police have said Fernandez's boyfriend is a person of interest in her disappearance and is not cooperating. He has not been charged with a crime.
Taylor says the case is still under investigation and asked anyone with information to call the sheriff's office at 429-1612 or Crime Stoppers at 427-0800.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement