LITTLE RIVER ACADEMY, TX — Human remains have been found during a search for missing Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division issued a statement saying partial human remains were found during a search of an area of interest close to the Leon River in Little River Academy.
Army CID agents are currently on scene with the Texas Rangers, the FBI and the Bell County Sheriff's Department.
The Army said there is no confirmation as to the identity of the remains at this point.
Due to extensive investigative work conducted by Special Agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, agents have returned to an area of interest close to the Leon River, Bell County, Texas for more investigative work in the search for PFC Vanessa Guillen. After receiving additional information, agents have discovered what has been described as partial human remains after analysis from a forensic anthropologist. Army CID agents are currently on scene with the Texas Rangers, the FBI and Bell County Sheriff's Department. No confirmation as to the identity of the remains has been made at this point and we ask for the media and public's understanding that the identification process can take time.
Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, no further information will be released at this time.
Texas EquuSearch founder Tim Miller told ABC13 the search and rescue non-profit has stopped its search until an autopsy is performed.
Miller said the remains were found in a shallow grave three feet from where the group found evidence last time.
The founder said the Army CID cadaver dogs missed the remains the first time they searched the area.
"It's believed to be her pending positive identification. That would be determined by the medical examiner's office. But I'm confident to say that the search for Vanessa is now over," Miller said.
The 20-year-old was last seen around 11:30 am in the parking lot of her Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters, 3rd Cavalry Regiment on Fort Hood on April 22.
Persons with information can contact Army CID Special Agents at 254-287-2722 or the Military Police Desk at 254-288-1170. They can also anonymously submit information online. People wishing to remain anonymous will be honored to the degree allowable under the law and the information will be held in the strictest confidence allowable.
