The Alameda coroner says a body found over the weekend has been identified as San Diego nursing student Michelle Le. Searchers found her remains in Sunol Canyon Saturday morning.
The remains were found by a group of volunteers who were working with the Le family in a search for clues into her disappearance.
Hayward police said although the badly decomposed remains have been identified as the missing woman, there is a lot more forensic examination to be done in order to determine the manner and cause of death.
Police said the remains were found in the general area where GPS tracking showed the cell phones of both Le and the prime suspect in the case Giselle Esteban traveled the night Le disappeared.
The Hayward nursing student vanished in late May during a class break.
Esteban appeared in court Monday. She has not entered a plea even though she was arrested nearly two weeks ago. Investigators say they found Le's DNA on one of Esteban's shoes, along with other evidence.
"Our family has greatly appreciated, and would be at a loss, without the help of so many people and volunteers. Please continue praying for and supporting Michelle as our family begins the journey to ensure justice in her honor," a family spokesperson said.
"We are grieving and preparing a memorial service for her - a proper goodbye."
