Daniel Morcombe: Eight-year search draws to a close after items and bones discovered.
The eight-year search for Daniel Morcombe has turned up only some of his remains and yet his parents still consider themselves lucky to have found anything at all.
Police and emergency services have been scouring bushland near Beerwah, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, in search of Daniel’s remains since August 13.
But the search will wrap up next week, following a decision by Queensland police today.
Three human bones, confirmed to be Daniel’s, were discovered at the site in August.
A pair of shoes of the brand Daniel was wearing when he disappeared are still being forensically tested.
More human remains were found last month.
Daniel’s mother Denise hopes more will be found before the search is called off.
“It’s sad news because we’d always hoped we’d find some more of Daniel, but we really appreciate the extraordinary efforts by the police, the SES, volunteers and the public,” Mrs Morcombe said.
“They’ve done everything that’s humanly possible.
“And I think we’re pretty lucky with what has been found.
“But it’s just so hard.”
She said the family was waiting for advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions and state coroner on when Daniel’s remains would be released so a funeral could be organised.
The family has not begun discussing possible arrangements.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson, in a statement, said best practice had been followed throughout the process.
He thanked volunteers who had worked tirelessly in difficult terrain.
A summary of what has been located would be provided to the media at the conclusion of the search, he said.
Brett Peter Cowan, 42, was charged in August with Daniel’s abduction and murder.
The 13-year-old disappeared in 2003 while waiting for a bus.
AAP
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