Body of missing N.J. teen Sarah Townsend believed found, says official
(CBS/KYW/AP) BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. - The week-long search for a missing Burlington County teenager came to an end Friday afternoon when a body was discovered in a park police were searching.
Pictures: Sarah Townsend missing
Burlington County Public Safety Directory Walter Corter says canine tracking dogs were out in force searching for 18-year-old Sarah Townsend when they picked up a scent in Green Acres III Park. The dogs led police back to the pond they had searched earlier in the week, reports CBS station KYW.
Corter says during their search of the pond at about 1:15 p.m. they found a body believed to be that of Sarah Townsend.
A desperate search to find Sarah had been underway since Monday morning when her car was found in the park with the engine running and the driver's door open.
On Thursday Laurie Townsend made an emotional plea for her daughter's safe return."In my heart, I feel somebody knows something or somebody saw something and they need to step up," she said.
Officials have stated they do not suspect foul play, but Corter says they were concerned from the very beginning that she may try to harm herself.
Townsend's mother doesn't believe her daughter would try to harm herself. She says Sarah was in good spirits days before she disappeared.
As the investigation continues, an autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death.
Complete Coverage of Sarah Townsend on Crimesider
