(KMOV) -- The Major Case Squad has identified the human remains found in East Alton just before 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.
At a news conference on Friday morning, authorities said that the remains are those of 26-year-old Crystal Terpening, who had been missing since mid-October. Fingerprints helped identify the victim.
Authorities say they are investigating Terpening's death as a homicide.
The East Alton police chief says the remains were found in more than one location in a wooded area that was being cleared. The crime scene is at Broadway and Route 3 near a strip mall and QuikTrip. Officials say the crime scene is very large, covering four to five acres.
More than 30 investigators and Cadaver dogs searched the scene where the remains were discovered.
The Major Case Squad has alluded that equipment taking down trees may be responsible for the scattering of remains.
Anyone with information is asked to call:
Anonymous Tip Line: (618) 296-3000
Major Case Squad: (618) 296-4478
