ORMOND BEACH, Florida – Authorities in Florida made a grim discovery on Wednesday, uncovering human remains believed to be those of a missing teenager who vanished almost two decades ago. Autumn Lane McClure, a 16-year-old from Ormond Beach, was last seen in May 2004 when her boyfriend dropped her off at the Volusia Mall. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the suspected burial site was located in the Ormond Beach area, leading to the tragic finding.
Over the years, investigators never gave up on McClure’s case, tirelessly gathering DNA from family members, re-interviewing friends and potential witnesses, and identifying a person of interest in 2021. Although the individual passed away in May 2022, the investigation continued, eventually leading to the discovery of the remains.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed his disappointment in a post, acknowledging that the outcome was not what anyone had hoped for in 2004 or since then. However, he praised the dedication and hard work of his detectives in bringing some closure to the decades-old case. Chitwood emphasized the agency’s commitment to seeking justice for victims, regardless of when the crime occurred.
During a news conference, Chitwood revealed that investigators were able to recover almost all of the teenager’s remains, with the medical examiner’s office tasked with confirming McClure’s identity. Determining the cause of her death may present challenges, but authorities are determined to find answers.
The person of interest in McClure’s death will never be held accountable in this world, according to Chitwood, but he expressed hope that justice will prevail in the afterlife. The community mourns the loss of Autumn Lane McClure, offering prayers and condolences to her family as they grapple with this heartbreaking revelation.