Authorities identify Delia Young remains

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) has announced the remains discovered Wednesday in northwest Alachua County were those of a girl who went missing last month. 

“With deep sorrow, Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr., makes notification that the human remains found during the June 2nd search have been preliminarily confirmed to be that of missing 13-year-old Delia Young,” said an ASO press release sent out late Friday.

Young was reported missing on May 16 and was last seen on May 15. Thousands of people shared the ASO Facebook post about the case and many sent in tips. Even after finding the teen’s remains, the ASO said investigators will continue to probe what happened. 

“Detectives will continue to work with the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause and manner of death,” the press release said. 

Last week deputies arrested Marian Williams, the girl’s legal guardian, and Valerie Young, the girl’s aunt, on a range of charges, including homicide. 

Watson thanked all those who have worked on the case: “Sheriff Watson would also like to express his appreciation for the hard work, commitment, diligence and tenacity of the deputies and investigators that worked so hard on this case and also for the outpouring of support from the community.”