Read more: Local, State, Nevaeh, Buchanan, Neveah, Monroe, Missing, River, Body
MONROE, MICH. -- Nearly two weeks after 5-year-old Nevaeh Buchanan went missing from in front of her Monroe apartment building, authorities say they believe they have found her body.
Guy Bickley, 51, alerted officials Thursday afternoon after finding a cement casing with what appeared to be skin coming out of it while he was fishing on the River Raisin. The fisherman says he was fishing with his son when he spotted what he thought was a body encased in the cement.
The men said as they approached the cement block the smell overwhelmed them.
Authorities blocked off an area around the river, in Raisinville Township, Thursday night as investigators began searching the area for clues. A medical examiner was brought to the scene around 8:45 p.m.
Shaun Lawson, a cousin a Nevaeh's mother, said he was told by officers that they believed the body was that of the girl. He said the body found was draped in similar clothing to the clothes in which Nevaeh was last seen. The body also had about the same height and similar hair color.
Nevaeh was last seen playing on a scooter outside the Charlotte Arms Apartments around 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 24. Over 800 tips and leads have led authorities to search wooded areas, two quarries, as well as neighboring schools and roads.
Two sex offenders have been linked to the case as "persons of interest"; however, authorities have since said they are no longer being questioned.
A news conference has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday in Monroe County. Officials are expected to release more details about the body found as well as any leads they may have.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 734-243-7070.
