FORT PAYNE, Ala. — UPDATE 4/3/23: DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden confirmed the remains of a body found March 23 have been identified.
19-year-old Makenna Joy Purvis was reported missing in September 2022. According to the sheriff's office, an extensive search and investigation had been ongoing since her disappearance near Inspect Drive in Valley Head.
Forensic evidence confirmed the remains were those of Purvis. No foul play is suspected in the case.
Our original reporting continues below:
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Weldon confirmed Thursday the discovery of human remains in the Valley Head area. According to the sheriff's office, the remains were found in a thick, wooded area on the forest floor.
Multiple departments assisted in the search and recovery of the remains, including Huntsville Police Department's Search Dog Unit, Valley Head Police Department, Fischer Rescue Squad, Valley Head Fire Department, and the DeKalb EMA.
There was no immediate indication foul play was involved. The sheriff said there was little further detail to be made public at this time.
"At this time, information is limited, and guidelines must be followed to assure accurate conclusions," Weldon said in a written statement. "Once other information is provided to our office, we will release further information."
The remains have been taken to the Huntsville forensic lab by the JSU Center for Applied Forensics team for further investigation and identification.
Valley Head is a small community of approximately 577 residents, per the 2020 Census. It is about 10-12 miles northeast of Fort Payne.
