Remains found in DeKalb County identified

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WDEF) — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office identified the remains of a body found in Valley Head, Alabama.

They announced the remains they found on March 23 were of 19-year-old Makenna Joy Purvis. The Alabama Department of Forensic Science Laboratory in Huntsville identified the remains.

Makenna Purvis, (Courtesy: DeKalb County Sheriff)

Purvis’ family previously reported her missing in September of 2022, the sheriff’s office said.

Law enforcement has been extensively searching and investigating since she was reported missing. Purvis was last seen near Inspect Drive in Valley Head, police said.

The Huntsville Search Dog Unit located the remains.

Investigators do not believe foul play was involved.

However, Purvis’ family is asking for privacy during this time.

“This is such a terrible tragedy, and I cannot even begin to imagine the pain that this family is feeling at this time,” Sheriff Nick Welden said. “Thank you to all that volunteered time to help search for this precious girl. We had all hoped and prayed for a different outcome. Please keep the family and friends of Makenna in your prayers for months to come.”