The last week has seen Utah police and volunteers search all over Logan, Utah for Elizabeth Shelley after her disappearance. It began on Saturday when Elizabeth’s mother discovered her daughter’s bed was empty and the front door was open. Not long after, Elizabeth’s uncle, Alex Whipple was identified as the prime suspect in her disappearance and was subsequently arrested.

It now seems the search has come to an unfortunate end.

The body of the missing 5-year-old was discovered hidden under trees and brush less than a block from her home. Her body was discovered thanks to a map provided by her uncle to the police.

Whipple had been in custody since his arrest earlier this week and under interrogation from the police to locate his niece. Whipple finally broke his silence on Wednesday after the death penalty was taken off the table in exchange for Elizabeth’s body. And hours before her body was found, Whipple was formally charged with aggravated murder and kidnapping.

“There are not words to express the sadness and heartbreak we feel today,” Jessica Whipple wrote in a statement. It continued, “This did not end the way we wanted to do but in the sadness we are comforted by the effort people put in to find Lizzy. We would never have expected this outpouring of love and support. It was beautiful.”

And despite the saddening outcome, Logan Police Chief Gary Jensen said, “nevertheless is closure and helps us be able to now deal with the investigation and help the family through their grief.”

Alex Whipple is still in police custody and is awaiting a court appearance on Monday, June 3.

Police Scene
Representational image of a crime scene. Suzanne Cordiero/AFP/Getty Images
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