Latania Janell Carwell: 16-Year-Old's Body Found Months Later In Augusta

Latania Janell Carwell disappeared just shy of her 16th birthday on April 17, 2017. Her body was found recently on the property of a vacant home in Augusta, Georgia. Her mother and stepfather are facing charges in her death.

The mystery surrounding the case of a Georgia teenager missing for nearly a year has come to a gruesome end. Human remains found in a woodsy area in Augusta have been identified as 16-year-old Latania Janell Carwell.

 Latania was positively identified through dental records, according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.

The victim's mother, Tanya Tripp, and stepfather, Leon Tripp, are both facing charges in the crime. On April 17, 2017, the girl's mother reported that Latania was missing, telling authorities that the teen had let with  her stepfather.

"Anytime you try a case and you do not have remains, it's always that small amount of doubt that can be in the jury's minds that the person is not deceased, especially based on some rumors that went on when this first started,"  Richmond County Sheriff Roundtree, told WJBF.  "This lays that speculation to rest."

Leon Tripp is facing murder and kidnapping charges, while his wife Tanya is charged with concealing a death.

Latania's body was found in the yard of a vacant home that was about to be rented out. The corpse was uncovered during an inspection.

The community has gathered to mourn Latania. Many of them went to the spot where the body was found and began a prayer vigil, commemorating a tragic end to a life cut short too soon.