Missing Kentucky Mom Savannah Spurlock Update: Human Remains Found, Suspect Arrested

Following a 6-month investigation, authorities have found what they believe to be the remains of Kentucky mother Savannah Spurlock. The discovery came Wednesday following a tip they received regarding her disappearance. After obtaining a warrant, the human remains were discovered and a suspect, David A. Sparks, was arrested.

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, Sparks, 24, was arrested around 2 a.m. Thursday and charged with abuse of a corpse and evidence tampering. Following the arrest, he was booked at the Madison County jail about 3:42 a.m. Sparks' mugshot can be seen in the tweet below.

The Garrard County property at Fall Lick Road and Perkins Lane was searched after police received a tip around 5 p.m. Wednesday from a man stating that a foul odor was coming from his property, which belonged to a family member of the suspect. Sparks, a Lancaster native, also lives at the residence, per NY Daily News. According to the arrest citation, the remains “were located concealed in an unnatural position beneath the ground."

Additionally, other items belonging to the victim were also said to be found during the search.

"These items were last known to be in the control of only two individuals, the missing person, and the above," stated the arrest citation. The FBI's response team was present during the search and officers were seen carrying out a 'large container,' reports LEX 18.

Although Spurlock's name was not specifically mentioned in the arrest citation, the property in question had previously been searched in relation to her disappearance. The last time the 23-year-old mother of 4 had been seen was Jan. 4 as she left The Other Bar in Lexington, KY. It is said that after she left the establishment she went to the home of one of three men who were questioned about her disappearance.

Previously, the men had stated that Spurlock left on foot the night of Jan. 4. However, police never released evidence that was able to back up that story. An autopsy is scheduled in order to positively ID the remains and it is said that identification could come as early as Thursday.