The remains of Isabel Celis, who disappeared from her eastside home in April 2012, were located in a remote area of Pima County.
Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus could not confirm when or where her remains were located, but the remains were sent to an independent lab for DNA analysis.
The results of the DNA analysis confirmed the remains to be that of Isabel Celis.
Chief Magnus could not release what led authorities to the location of where her remains were discovered, but it was not "happenstance".
Isabel Celis, who was 6-years old at the time of her disappearance, went missing from her family's home near Broadway and Craycroft.
Her disappearance and massive multi-agency search made national headlines.
Thousands of leads turned up nothing.
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The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children released an age progression of Isabel Celis in hopes of sparking new leads a few years later.
The Celis family has released the following statement:
"We want to thank the community for the support they have continued to show for Isa over the years and for refusing to give up hope. Now is our time to mourn. We ask for our privacy during this time so that we can do that.”
Chief Magnus says the investigation into the case of Isabel Celis is on-going and anyone with information is urged to contact 911 or 88-CRIME immediately.
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LINKS TO PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Raw Interview with Sergio and Rebecca Celis Part 1
Raw Interview with Sergio and Rebecca Celis Part 2
New age progression photo released of Isabel Celis
Elizabeth Smart shares perspective on Isabel Celis
Isabel Celis 911 Raw Audio Call
Celis family remembers Isa on her 7th birthday
