Authorities: DNA shows 'high probability' remains found behind Nash home are missing woman
Human remains found in a shallow grave behind a Nash County home last fall likely are those of a woman who has been missing for 16 years, authorities said Tuesday.
Posted — Updated
Deborah Elaine Deans was 29 when she was last seen in January 2004 in the Wiley Road area of Spring Hope.
Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone said a detailed tip about the location of a body was emailed in early October to the Fighting Crime website, and the information was forwarded to his investigators. They were able to obtain a search warrant and found the remains behind 1402 Wiley Road.
Although there was no known DNA sample for Deans, authorities obtained DNA from her mother to compare with DNA from the remains, Capt. Eddie Moore of the Nash County Sheriff's Office said in an email Tuesday. Tests "concluded that there is a high probability that the remains belong to" Deans, he said.
Kimberly Hancock, 49, who lives in the home, was charged with first-degree murder in Deans' death and remains in the Nash County jail without bond.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
