Investigators have identified the remains of a missing 16-year old girl from southwest Missouri.

The girl is identified as Savannah Leckie, who was reported missing in late July, according to the Associated Press and WTOP. Her burned remains were found at the home of her biological mother and the woman’s husband. The remains were identified Monday (Aug 21).

Search warrants filed by investigators say they recovered a meat grinder, bone fragments and 26 bottles of lye, which can be used to accelerate the breakdown of bodily tissue. Authorities also reportedly found a box of girl’s clothing, hair, a knife and notebooks, and personal hygiene items.

During a search of the property Aug. 4, investigators found bone fragments on a burn pile on the property, including what appeared to be fragments from a human finger and a vertebrae.

Authorities say the biological mother of Savannah, is in jail on a 24-hour investigative hold.

The jail administrator in Ozark County, MO says the woman was taken into custody at 3:00 Monday afternoon. No charges have been filed, according to the report.

The public defender’s office in a nearby county was meeting with the mother. The office didn’t immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Ozark County Sheriff Darrin Reed, says the investigation has “intensified” and that arrests are expected.

Savannah was living in Longrun, Missouri, with her biological mother and the woman’s boyfriend before she disappeared in late July.

The name of the mother was not immediately available in the report.

Police lights by night
ThinkStock
loading...

 

More From AM 1050 KSIS