Zahra Baker Update: Cops Believe Remains are Those of Missing N.C. Girl
HICKORY, N.C. (CBS/WBTV/AP) Police said in a press conference Friday afternoon they believe they have found the remains of the missing N.C. girl Zahra Baker.
"I've been dreading this moment [from] early on in this investigation," Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins said in a brief statement. "We have recovered enough physical evidence to believe we have found Zahra."
Adkins then said they believe they have made a DNA match for Zahra on a bone found during the investigation. Additional remains had not yet been tested, he said, but were considered "consistent" with the girl by on site medical examiners.
Adkins became visibly emotional near the end of the press conference, saying that investigators were "devastated" that they could not bring Zahra home safely.
Adkins did not take any questions, and said that the future release of information in the case would be limited, so as not to "jeopardize future court proceedings."
Ten-year-old Zahra Baker was reported missing by her father Oct. 9.
Police said Zahra's stepmother Elisa Baker has admitted to writing a bogus ransom note found where the fire took place in the family's backyard on the day her stepdaughter was reported missing. She is currently being held on an obstruction of justice charge.
The girl's father, 33-year-old Adam Baker, was arrested on charges unrelated to Zahra's disappearance.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ZAHRA CLARE BAKER ON CRIMESIDER
