Missing West Virginia Teen Found Dead

• Authorities have not disclosed how long the remains were at the property.
• Investigators have not confirmed whether additional evidence was recovered.
• Officials have not said if anyone else was at the home during Friday’s search.
• The investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities in West Virginia are investigating the death of missing 16-year-old Shayln Harvey as a homicide after deputies discovered human remains at her home during a search operation on Friday.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office said that Shayln Harvey had been missing since May 4. Deputies searched her residence, helped by cadaver dogs to locate human remains. This was the same place where her stepfather had been accused of incest abuse just two weeks before the recovery of her remains.

An autopsy was performed on Monday morning and it confirmed that the human remains belonged to the missing girl. Authorities have yet to reveal the cause of death.

James Truman, 52, was the first person to report Shayln missing. He was later arrested and faced charges of “sexual abuse by parent, guardian, custodian or other person in position of trust to a child,” 12WBOY reported, citing West Virginia Jails and Corrections. He is currently being held on $100,000 bail, according to Metro News.

The authorities did not reveal whether there were other people in the house during the raid conducted by the deputies.

“Investigators will continue conducting interviews, processing evidence, and following up on all leads associated with this case,” authorities said during a press conference.

“The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Shalyn Harvey during this difficult time,” they added. “Additional information will be released as it becomes available and appropriate to do so.”

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