Her remains, which are under the jurisdiction of the Franklin County Indiana Coroner’s Office, are at the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, which is equipped for forensic examination. All information about procedures for examining the remains and determining the cause of death must come from Franklin County officials, according to the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office.
On Friday, Franklin County Indiana Coroner Wanda “Tink” Lee said she had no information about how the forensic examination would proceed, but added she may release information next week.
The reality is it could take sometime to determine how Markham died, if ever.
“It could take weeks,” said Sgt. Noel Houze of the Indiana State Police. He said it is possible a cause of death many never be known depending on the condition of the bones.
If a person is stabbed, for example, and no bones are hit, determining the cause of death from only the bones is virtually impossible, he said
Houze and Fairfield Police Chief Mike Dickey said detectives from both agencies are working together in the investigation.
Thursday evening, Katelyn’s father, Dave Markham, addressed a crowd of supporters at Fairfield West Baptist Church.
Hundreds have searched in the 20 months since Katelyn Markham went missing, hoping to find her or any clues that could lead to her whereabouts.
One of the locals, Diane Shuler, said she met a group of five other women who began searching together. On Monday, she went to visit the location where Markham was found.
“I could feel Katelyn, her spirit was there. All I could do is break down and cry. I was shaking,” said Shuler, who said the search group now plans to focus on finding Billy DiSilvestro, a Hamilton man missing since February 2011.
Shuler said the small search group met because of Katelyn and formed a life-long friendship.
“We met because of her,” Shuler said. They even took conceal and carry classes together to stay safe.
“One lady despised guns, but we felt if Katelyn would have had a carry and conceal, she would be alive,” Shuler said.
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