JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Sheriff John Rutherford announced Thursday night detectives have found remains in a Northwest Jacksonville vacant lot believed to be those of Michelle McCoy.
The 20-year-old disappeared on Jan. 10 and police have been searching the area in the 3900 block of Ribault River Lane since 10 a.m. today, according to family spokesperson Linda Dayson.
Jacksonville Sheriff Rutherford declined to say what led detectives to the scene, and would only attribute it to "good police work."
McCoy's family is "pretty distressed over the possibility that this could be Michelle," Rutherford said.
This was the second search for McCoy in as many days. Detectives searched a property in Nassau County yesterday.
McCoy's twin sister, Melissa, told police Michelle left with a man she knew. Melissa McCoy said her sister was concerned for her safety the night she disappeared, and said Michelle didn't answer the phone when she called to check on her.
Minutes later, a man called 911 to report seeing what he believed was a kidnapping but investigators weren't able to catch up with the vehicle, described by the man as a silver van.
The man retrieved evidence from the scene that he kept and gave to police later.
Rutherford would not say if police have since located the van.
JSO is investigating the way the officer who took the initial report handled the case. Family members were upset that it took police weeks to release information to the public regarding McCoy's disappearance. Rutherford said that matter is also still under investigation.
Although no arrests have been made in the case, Rutherford said the public is not in danger because detectives believe McCoy was a targeted victim in this crime.