Heaven Ross: Body released to family

I guess I hadn't realized that Heaven's identity still needed to be confirmed. Hopefully now they can find out who did this.
From http://www.al.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-30/1183052977282360.xml&storylist=alabamanews:

Remains of missing Northport girl released to family
6/28/2007, 12:42
p.m. CDT
The Associated Press

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Police
have returned the remains of a Northport girl to her family after DNA tests
confirmed they are those of the 11-year-old who disappeared on her way to school
in 2003.
The remains of Heaven LaShae Ross were found in an abandoned house
by a man walking his dog six months ago. After DNA testing at Louisiana State
University, they were returned to Alabama a month ago.
Capt. Loyd Baker,
commander of the Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit, didn't confirm that she
had been identified until Wednesday.
"We've consulted several forensic
specialists over the last four weeks to make certain that we had done all the
tests we needed to do before we released her body," Baker said.
No one has
been charged in her disappearance.
Shae was last seen walking to her bus stop
in Willowbrook Trailer Park on Aug. 19, 2003. Her skeletal remains were found in
December at the home overlooking Hurricane Creek at the end of a long, isolated
dirt road. Authorities said the girl's backpack was found near her
body.
Shae's body will be cremated Thursday.
Her mother, Beth
Lowery-Thompson, said she'll pick up the ashes Friday night or Saturday
morning.
Thompson said that having Shae's remains brought her a little
closure.
"I don't worry as much now," she said. "I know where she is, that
she's not somewhere hungry, cold and being abused."
The investigation into
Shae's death is ongoing. The family held a memorial service in December after
her body was found. Lowery-Thompson plans to have Shae's godmother and godfather
present when she returns from the funeral home with her daughter's ashes.