Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a heartbreaking discovery, Volusia Sheriff’s Office investigators have confirmed that human remains found last week in Ormond Beach belong to Autumn McClure, a teenager who went missing almost two decades ago.
Sheriff Confirms Identification of Autumn McClure
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood revealed in a press conference that forensic analysis has positively identified the recovered bones as those of Autumn McClure, who was reported missing at the age of 16 in 2004.
New Technology Leads to Break in Cold Case
The breakthrough in the case came when investigators utilized advanced DNA technology from ANDE Rapid DNA to create a genetic profile from the remains found at a property on Hand Avenue in Ormond Beach. This profile was then compared to DNA samples from Autumn’s family members, resulting in a match.
Closure for Family After Years of Uncertainty
Autumn’s family, who have been waiting for answers for nearly two decades, finally have closure knowing that their loved one has been found. The sheriff’s office was able to recover almost the entirety of Autumn’s remains, providing some solace to her grieving family.
Investigation Reveals Grim Details of McClure’s Disappearance
The investigation into Autumn’s disappearance took a tragic turn when the suspected perpetrator, Brian Donley, passed away during a medical procedure in 2022. Donley was believed to be responsible for Autumn’s murder and the subsequent burial of her body.
Continued Efforts to Determine Cause of Death
While the identification of Autumn’s remains brings some closure, investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of her death. Due to the advanced state of decomposition of the remains, this task may prove to be challenging.
Support for the Family and Community
As the community mourns the loss of Autumn McClure, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing support to her family during this difficult time. The use of cutting-edge technology and collaborative efforts with forensic experts have been instrumental in bringing closure to this long-standing cold case.
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