Update: May 25 at 6 p.m.
Human remains discovered in a shallow grave behind a mobile home on Monday may finally provide answers in a missing person case that has haunted a Kentucky family for more than three decades.
The Boyle County Sheriff's Office said skeletal remains were found on Spring Valley Road at a property belonging to Barbara Manning, the mother-in-law of Anna Lee Manning, who vanished in 1992.
"We've been out here since last Monday and we have located what seems to be skeletal remains of a human," said Sheriff Taylor Bottom. "Based on our investigation, I'm not a doctor, but that's what we believe right now."
Anna Lee Manning was last seen in November 1992 but wasn't reported missing until Feb. 25, 1994, more than a year after her disappearance.
Earlier this month, Manning's estranged husband Anthony and his mother Barbara were indicted in connection with Anna's presumed murder. Anthony Manning faces charges of murder, evidence tampering and abuse of a corpse. Barbara Manning is also charged with murder and accused of helping carry out the crime.
For Manning's aunt, Elsie Williams, the discovery brings a mix of vindication and grief.
"I knew she was," Williams said. "I knew she was there. I've known all along she was there."
The case has seen renewed attention over the years. In 2016, investigators searched the same property, digging holes while looking for Manning's remains.
Williams said she never gave up hope, even describing sensing her niece's presence over the years.
"You're going to think I'm crazy, but I could feel her in the room at times," Williams said. "We've always known she was here, always, always from day one."
The remains have not been officially identified as Manning's. The investigation is ongoing. At this time, the remains have been secured and will be transported to a certified forensic laboratory for examination and positive identification.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Boyle County Sheriff's Office at 859-238-1220.
Original Story:
The Boyle County Sheriff's Office has located human remains on a property previously identified as a potential site connected to the disappearance of Anna Lee Manning.
Manning was reportedly last seen in November 1992 and was reported missing on February 25, 1994. The discovery comes as the investigation into her case remains active, with two people currently in custody in connection with her death — including her estranged husband.
Crime
Mother and son connected to 1992 murder cold cold case plead not guilty
Anthony Manning was indicted on charges of murder, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse, nearly 35 years after Anna Lee Manning's disappearance.
LEX News previously reported that Investigators were searching 148 Spring Valley Road. Manning's aunt, Elsie Williams, says she has known for decades that her niece is buried there — and claims she spent years begging law enforcement to search the plot of land.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Boyle County Sheriff's Office at 859-238-1220 and ask to speak with a deputy.
