Human remains found during search for Linda Stoltzfoos, Amish teen missing since June [update] lancasteronline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lancasteronline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Missing Amish teen’s body was reburied, found near suspect’s workplace: prosecutors
Updated 5:48 PM;
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Nearly a year after an Amish teenager vanished, Lancaster County prosecutors on Thursday announced they found her body wrapped in a tarp and buried in a grave behind the former worksite of the man charged in her death.
Prosecutors filed homicide charges against Justo Smoker, 34, last year, even without the body of Linda Stoltzfoos, 18. The discovery and new evidence found by East Lampeter Township and Pennsylvania State Police is expected to provide a huge boost for prosecutors in the criminal case.
District Attorney Heather Adams said during a news conference Thursday that the body had not yet been forensically identified as Stoltzfoos, but based on initial observations and clothing found with the body: “We strongly believe and are confident in saying the remains are of 18-year-old Linda Stoltzfoos.”
The man charged with killing and kidnapping missing Amish woman Linda Stoltzfoos moved her body days after killing her and buried it on railroad property behind where he worked, District Attorney Heather Adams said in a news conference Thursday.
Adams also confirmed the body found near Gap is that of Stoltzfoos, who disappeared 10 months to the day her body was recovered. We strongly believe, and are comfortable saying, the remains are those of 18-year-old Linda Stoltzfoos, Adams said.
Stoltzfoos body was found along with a bonnet, dress and shoes consistent with the clothing worn by Linda on the day of her disappearance, Adams said.
Ten months to the day since she was last seen, it appears the remains of Linda Stoltzfoos have been found.
The Lancaster County District Attorney s office announced Wednesday that human remains were found in a rural area in the eastern part of the county. Officials didn t immediately identify the remains as belonging to the 18-year-old Amish woman, but said they were related to the case.
On Thursday, Lancaster County DA Heather Adams said at a news conference she and law enforcement officials strongly believe and (are) comfortable in saying the remains belong to Stoltzfoos. In a preliminary review, the coroner has determined the remains are female, of relevant age, and dress and shoes are consistent to those worn by Linda on the day of her disappearance, Adams said.