CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News) — Remains located Jan. 29 in Shinnston were those of Christa Merrill of Clarksburg, Harrison Sheriff Robert Matheny II said Tuesday.
Christa Merrill had been missing since Aug. 27. Her remains were found Jan. 29 in Shinnston.
Cause of death is awaiting additional testing, Matheny said.
The investigation is pending as a death investigation, with no manner of death given yet. The sheriff declined further comment.
Merrill had been missing since Aug. 27.
Her last known activity was having a urinalysis completed at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center on Aug. 26, Harrison Sheriff's Detective Sgt. A.C. Vernon has said.
Merrill's remains were recovered by Harrison Sheriff's Office investigators who were acting on a search warrant, with assistance from the FBI, in the Owings area of Harrison County.
The remains were sent to the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Social media reports Jan. 29 indicated a “large police presence,” as well as the use of an excavator, at a home in the Owings area.
At that time, Matheny was cautious about releasing any details on what he said is an ongoing investigation.
“We don’t want to jeopardize our investigation by releasing too many details on the case,” he said.
“We’re down there in Owings on a follow-up. It’s an ongoing investigation,” he said. “There is no danger to the public, or anyone that may have been involved at this time.”
Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 304-423-7700 or submit information on CrimeStoppers.com.
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