KANE COUNTY, Utah, May 28, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Remains found Monday in the Duck Creek Ridge area of Kane County are believed to be those of Courtney Townsend, reported missing in December of last year.
Officers received a tip Monday from someone who had been riding an ATV in the area and found some clothing at the side of the road.
“The individual was familiar with the Townsend case and thought the clothing might be important,” a Kane County Sheriff news release says.
Detectives and deputies from the KCSO responded to the area.
“The investigation indicated the presence of human remains with the clothing,” the statement says.
Kane County Search & Rescue crews and dogs trained to detect remains were brought in. Additional remains were found in the area, the statement says.
“Evidence on scene leads investigators to believe the remains are those of Courtney Townsend.”
The remains were transferred to the Utah State Medical Examiner’s office for further investigation and identification.
Townsend’s mother had reported the car Courtney was driving stolen on Nov. 16 of last year. The car was located three days later in the area where the clothing was found Monday. Townsend’s mother reported her missing on Dec. 2, 2023.
“Investigators from the KCSO and SGPD have worked closely on the case over the last six months,” the Kane County Sheriff statement says.
“Search efforts were hampered because of snowfall and a ground search was not possible until early May when the snow had melted sufficiently. The Kane County Sheriff’s Office, St. George police and the Utah Medical Examiner’s Office are actively continuing the investigation.”
