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TwitterA body found in Pierce County on Saturday is believed to be that of missing Norfolk woman Lacey Anderson.
Pierce County Attorney Verlyn Luebbe wouldn't confirm the gender or possible identity of the victim Monday morning. Family members have said they are awaiting DNA tests for official confirmation.
Anderson, 19, had been missing since Aug. 23. Family members who had started a Facebook page titled "Help Find Lacey!" changed the page to "RIP Lacey Anderson" over the weekend.
Luebbe said deer hunters discovered the body late Saturday morning.
"We were wishing we would have a happy ending, but now we have closure," said Karen Schmode of Battle Creek, Lacey's grandmother.
She said Lacey's disappearance took a toll on her.
"I wasn't living. I couldn't think without thinking about where she was," Schmode said. "It's a miracle she's been found."
The Nebraska State Patrol, Pierce and Madison County Sheriff's Offices, Norfolk and Pierce Police Departments worked at the scene following the discovery of the body.
An autopsy is planned and the investigation continues.
Anderson was last seen at a Norfolk apartment, where she lived with her mother.
According to court documents, Anderson had provided information to law enforcement regarding several different crimes and individuals involved. She was identified in other criminal cases as a witness. She also may have obtained methamphetamine shortly before her disappearance.
At the time of her disappearance, Anderson had faced sentencing on a revocation of probation for driving under the influence of alcohol and on felony charges involving a drive-by shooting. A warrant had been issued for her arrest after she failed to appear for her court dates.
"I want her to be remembered as a beautiful, sweet girl who happened to fall into friends of the wrong kind," Schmode said. "We will miss her and life will never be the same without her."
Anyone with information about her disappearance should call law enforcement officials in Pierce or Madison county.
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