By: Katie Jones
kjones@cbs4qc.com
UPDATE: Although investigators have not confirmed the identity of the bodies, Heather Collins, the mother of Elizabeth Collins, posted the following on her Facebook page Wednesday night:
"We have been so blessed by the out poor of all the pryers and support tonight with the gut wrenching news that my beautiful daughter and niece's bodies were found by hunters today. This was the outcome we wanted but we know that they are up in heaven with our savior and out nightmare of where they are and what is happening to them has been answered.
Lord we know that you have them in your loving arms and we are so blessed or that."
Investigators have not yet confirmed the identity of the bodies.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Hunters make a devastating discovery and it may have ended the search for two missing Iowa cousins. Police said around 12:45 Wednesday afternoon hunters in a wooded area discovered the bodies believed to be those of 9 year old Elizabeth Collins and 11 year old Lyric Cook Morrissey.
"Lyric and Elizabeth were last seen on July 13, 2012 riding their bikes in Evansdale," Capt. Rick Abben from the Blackhawk County Sheriff's Department said.
In the past 5 months, police, family and volunteers have searched high and low for the girls. Their bikes and a purse were found near Meyers Lake in Evansdale so authorities tried to drain the lake but came up empty handed. Wednesday, police didn't give any type of description or say where the bodies were exactly found. But they did let Lyric and Elizabeth's family know about the discovery.
"The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the community for their on–going support and at this time are requesting privacy." Capt. Abben said.
The bodies were taken to Ankeny, Iowa for identification. Meanwhile, authorities in Evansdale will hold another press conference Thursday afternoon.
