The remains of a 17-year-old girl who disappeared from a small town in Virginia were recovered, ending a search of more than seven years.
The girl, Alexis Tiara Murphy, disappeared in August 2013 after visiting a gas station in Lovingston, about 145 kilometers northeast of Roanoke.
Randy Taylor was charged a month after his disappearance and convicted of kidnapping and first-degree murder. He is serving two life sentences, according to NBC affiliate KFOR-TV.
The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release on Wednesday that local, state and federal officials “pursued several leads and conducted multiple searches” at the time of Murphy’s disappearance, but were unable to locate her.
“Searches have continued periodically since its disappearance in 2013, with law enforcement expanding the search area every time,” said officials.
In December, remains were found on a private property in Lovingston. The coroner’s office identified them as belonging to Murphy earlier this month.
The sheriff’s office said it delayed the release of the information until this week to give the girl’s family time to suffer and make the necessary arrangements.
“Although we have been mourning the loss of Alexis since 2013, we remain hopeful that she would be found alive and well,” said the family in a statement released by the sheriff’s office.
“Alexis was our family’s fashionista, athlete and prankster; we were blessed to have loved her for 17 years and her memory will remain alive in all of us ”, they continued, thanking the authorities and the community.
“You all kept the promise made in 2013, to bring Alexis home! During that time, we ask that you continue to raise our family in prayer and with Alexis’ words, ‘Keep Hope Alive’. ”
