FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Major Gary McClain

Office:  870.541.5351 / 870.329.5638

Email:  gary.mcclain@jeffcoso.org

SEARCH SUSPENDED AFTER HUMAN REMAINS FOUND:  Jefferson County, Arkansas - May 5, 2023 - Shortly after 4:00 p.m. today, while performing a grid search, deputies located what are believed to be human remains as well as items of clothing.  Search and Rescue K9 trained in locating human remains alerted to the finding which confirmed that the remains were human.  The finding was southeast of President's Circle in an area of thick vegetation, approximately a half mile from where Ms. Maranda Merrell Neal's ATV was located last November.

Based on the location, condition, and other circumstances, investigators believe the remains to be those of Maranda Merrell Neal, who was reported missing on May 22, 2022.  The remains however, will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock, AR for analysis and positive identification.