HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. – The Halifax County Sheriff's Office confirmed Thursday that human remains found in November belong to Emma Layne.
Layne was reported missing June 20, 2017, after she was last seen at her business, Cody Store, in the 10000 block of Stage Coach Road in Nathalie.
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Despite extensive search efforts by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Virginia State Police, no one was able to locate her.
Then, on November 22, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office was notified by hunters of the discovery of human remains in a heavily-wooded area off Sandy Ridge Road in the community of Nathalie.
The remains were transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner for autopsy, examination and positive identification.
“We are still awaiting additional information from the medical examiner’s office concerning the circumstances and cause of death,” said Sheriff Fred Clark. “But, we are treating this as a homicide investigation and are continuing to pursue all possible leads related to Mrs. Layne’s death. This investigation is top priority."
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about Emma or if anyone recalls seeing any suspicious vehicles or persons along Sandy Ridge Road anytime between June and November of last year to please call the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office at 911 or 434-476-3339.
“I also want to thank the community for your support and efforts to help find Emma, and especially her family for their patience and persistence during this very difficult and trying process. Though we know this is the news they feared the most, may it at least bring them some closure and reassure them of my department’s commitment to seeing this investigation through to the end,” stated Clark.