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The newest remains, an arm bone and smaller ones, likely will be tested, but police believe they match those of the missing women, said Lucy Crockett, a spokeswoman for the Wilmington police.
Caison said she was at the site a week ago, and there were no signs of bones.
Additionally, police searched the area after the initial discovery in April and didnt find them.
Police said the latest bones showed signs of animal damage, and they believe they may have been buried at some point.
Columbus County sheriffs deputies found remains this week, which they suspect are those of Carol Marie Batten Dowless, a 26-year-old mother of four who disappeared three years ago.
Columbus County sheriffs deputies found remains this week, which they suspect are those of Carol Marie Batten Dowless, a 26-year-old mother of four who disappeared three years ago.
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For nine women, more questions than answers
Authorities say an informant led them to a wooded area within a mile of Batten Dowless home in Columbus County.
The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and Brunswick Search and Rescue assisted in an eight-hour search that ended with the discovery around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, according to Capt. David Nobles of the Columbus County Sheriffs Office.
Although police suspect theyve discovered Batten Dowless remains, the bones will have to be tested to know for sure, Nobles said.
The break in the 3-year-old case comes just weeks after The CUE Center For Missing Persons put up a billboard in Whiteville asking for information on the disappearance.
I know her family was hoping for a better outcome, said CUE founder Monica Caison. At least we have some answers now.
These poor families are in my heart and I feel for them so much. Something is going on around here for sure or at least WAS going on with all these missing women. The problem is so many unsolved missing women to date and I am very worried. Those of us who grew up walking these streets don't walk them anymore but newcomers see how quaint and wonderful things appear and feel like nothing could ever happen to them. In addition, our local news doesn't report what it is told not to report....period. Wilmington is home for me but my father pastored in Whiteville for nine years and we lived there during that time. We love those people at that church and in that area so much, they are like family. With recent attacks and crime in general, many of us feel like it has become a situation that has overwhelmed law enforcement. In other words, we don't know what is going on because it seems no case is ever solved unless it is by a confession. It's open season almost for criminals here and something has got to be done.
I saw the first half on Dateline but then was too tired to watch the rest. What did the investigators conclude?
tia,
Hoppy
Hi all! I live in NHC and this case haunts me. I think Alison's murderer is someone she was aquainted with, JMO! I wonder if LE dropped the charges against the cabbie for now til the DNA results come in so he feels a false sense of security. Can they charge him again if they get a match? Also, does anyone know how accurate the composite sketch is? The local media leaves alot to be desired as far as coverage. TIA in advance.
matilda
Well, they were focused on one fellow for quite a while after Allison was found - based on a good deal of circumstantial evidence, but they seem to be going in another direction now and have said this guy has been cleared.
Allison's murder was extremely brutal - they said there were at least 40 stab marks on her sweater and they have yet to get back the DNA results. They do seem to feel the DNA will be key in solving the crime.
I'm not sure why they have cleared the POI without having all the forensic evidence back yet. Guess time will tell.
On another note - thank you for all you do here, Hoppy!
Awww...you're welcome!
Thanks for your summary.
I'm going to move this to the discussion forum so we can discuss there.
Hoppy
I live in Wilmington and have been following the case of the two women who were murdered. the pub is only three miles from my house. It has been very frustrating to me on how LE investigates missing women in this county. You usually see a very small blip on the evening news and maybe a two sentence statement in the local paper. Missing women are not considered an important news item and you really have to dig to find out any progress or updates. I was really surprised at Dateline covering these two cases. There are many women missing around this area and many people think that there is a serial murderer. LE dismisses this idea every time the subject comes up. I no longer go out at night. I don't eat out at night unless I know that the parking lot will have plenty of people around when I leave. A woman was reported missing on February 24, 2009 who was last seen in her home about two blocks from my house. Seven days later, buzzards were circling over a wooded area behind my house. I called LE because I was concerned that the woman may be dead in the woods. The Deputy Sheriff wasn't really concerned although he did see the buzzards and they were very close to the lady's home. He was about as interested as the LE guy who the meter reader called to check if a bag contained Caylee Anthony. Thank goodness the woman was later found to be ok.
Missing women are not considered news around here. Everyone I have discussed this case with think that the cab driver is the murderer. I hope the DNA results come back before he skips town.