Investigators may have found the body of a Missouri woman who vanished in 2019, and whose husband was previously charged with her presumed murder.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Menngqi Ji Elledge’s husband Joseph Elledge reported her missing from her Columbia home in October 2019. The 28-year-old woman had a toddler daughter at the time of her disappearance.

Months after reporting his wife missing, 24-year-old Joseph Elledge was charged with first-degree murder, third-degree domestic assault, child abuse, and child endangerment. During the investigation, authorities reportedly found injuries to the couple’s daughter believed to be the result of abuse.

Citing Columbia Police Department sources, KMIZ reports that a hiker first discovered human remains at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Columbia on Thursday, The remains were badly decomposed, and police said Menngqi’s belongings were found with the body, including her driver’s license and financial documents.

Police will perform DNA testing to confirm that the remains are that of the missing woman.

CrimeOnline will provide further updates when more information is available.

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