Remains Of Woman Missing Since 2005 Found
FLINT (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say the remains of a woman who has been missing from the Flint area since 2005 have been found at a Michigan farm.
Investigators on Wednesday announced that the body of Katie Cook was found Aug. 7 at Bloss Farm, on Reid Road near Morris Road, in Gaines Township following a tip in July to Mt. Morris Township Police in Genesee County. Police searched several acres for 15 days before finding her body. She was identified using dental records.
Cook was 23 when last seen in August 2005 and was reported missing a few weeks later. She disappeared soon after moving into her boyfriend's home on Haven Street near Saginaw Street, police said.
Prosecutors are waiting for the results of her autopsy before issuing charges, but Prosecutor David Leyton said they believe Cook was strangled.
Leyton said Cook's former boyfriend is suspected in her death, but he hasn't been charged. Leyton told The Flint Journal the 34-year-old man is currently jailed in Missouri on an unrelated charge of assault with intent to murder.
Police say the Bloss family, which owns the farm, has nothing to do with the case and were extremely helpful in the search.
Jen Cook, the victim's sister, described the last seven years as "horrible," adding that her family always believed her sister was dead and that her boyfriend was the one responsible.
"Honestly, there's so many different emotions," Jen Cook told The Flint Journal. "We are happy we finally have the chance to bring her home, but we're still extremely upset this happened in the first place."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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