The remains of missing Virginia teen Alexis Tiara Murphy have been recovered.
According to a statement by the Nelson County Sherriff’s Office, the remains were found on Dec. 3, 2020. Murphy was reported missing in August 2013.
Finding the remains and solving this case was a joint effort between the Sherriff’s office, the FBI’s Richmond Division, and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office.
The Central District Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the identity of Murphy on Feb. 5, 2021. Out of respect for the family, a public announcement was not made until Feb. 17, 2021.
“Law enforcement did not work this investigation alone. We would like to thank Alexis’ family, friends, classmates, teammates and the community for their continued assistance and patience as we worked to find Alexis,” the announcement said.
Murphy’s family also released a statement within the sheriff’s announcement: “Our family is so grateful for the continuing love, support and prayers for Alexis and our family over the past 7 years. While we have been grieving the loss of Alexis since 2013, we remained hopeful that she would be found alive and well. Alexis was the fashionista, athlete and joker of our family; we were blessed to have loved her for 17 years and her memory will continue to live on through us all.
Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude to the citizens of Nelson County, the FBI, the Virginia State Police, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, and all of the search and rescue teams for your commitment and unwavering support to find Alexis. You all kept the promise made in 2013, to bring Alexis home!”
Randy Taylor was found guilty of murder and kidnapping in the case of Murphy in May. He is currently serving two life sentences, according to The News & Advance.