Police have uncovered a body believed to be that of a missing 18-month-old girl Saturday, in an ongoing investigation concerning four deceased, including the child's mother and two men, who were all found on a Kansas farm days before.
According to a statement obtained by the Associated Press, Franklin County Sheriff Jeff Richards wrote that the remains, found in eastern Kansas, are thought to belong to Lana Leigh Bailey.
Her mother Kaylie Bailey, 21, Andrew Stout, 30 and Steven White, 31, were all found dead on May 6.
"I want the family of Lana, and all the victims, to know that this investigation will continue until we are confident we have collected as much evidence as we can to ensure justice is served on behalf of all four victims," Richard said in the statement.
The bodies were recovered by an Osage County sheriff deputy five days after the four were reported missing.
So far, suspect Kyle Flack has been taken in on grounds of capital murder. 27-year-old Flack is a convicted felon, who has also been charged on a number of first-degree murder counts.
Officers collected evidence Saturday, upon finding the remains. Without going into further detail, Richard said the child's body is, in fact, Lana's.
"We hope that a forensic examination will make a final identification," he said.
Search units used sonar equipment during the search for the child, looking in ponds and various other small bodies of water for any clues.
Their investigation spanned rural areas in the 50-mile area that encompasses Ottawa and Emporia, where Kaylie Bailey's automobile was found five days before.
Police have not expounded upon details of where the bodies were found, or the cause of death.
In a phone interview with AP, Richard said he could not say much more than what was written in the statement.
"Until the identity is confirmed, investigators will continue following up on all tips, leads and information connected to this crime."
