Remains of Alexis Murphy, missing since 2013, found in Nelson County
NELSON COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — The body of a teenage girl who was reported missing in 2013 has been recovered.
The Nelson County Sheriff's Office says the remains of missing 17-year-old Nelson County girl, Alexis Tiara Murphy, were found on December 3, 2020, in Lovingston.
The remains were found on private property near Stagebridge Road along Route 29.
TIMELINE: The search for Alexis Murphy
The Chief Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the identity of the remains as Alexis on February 5.
"With careful consideration for Alexis' family being paramount, notification to the community was delayed to allow them time to grieve and make proper arrangements," the Sheriff's Office said.
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The Sheriff's Office says that through their investigation and successful prosecution by the Nelson County Commonwealth Attorney's Office, coupled with the recovery of her body, the case is no longer active.
The family provided the following statement:
“Our family is so grateful for the continuing love, support and prayers for Alexis and our family over the past 7 years. While we have been grieving the loss of Alexis since 2013, we remained hopeful that she would be found alive and well. Alexis was the fashionista, athlete and joker of our family; we were blessed to have loved her for 17 years and her memory will continue to live on through us all. Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude to the citizens of Nelson County, the FBI, the Virginia State Police, the Nelson County Sheriff's Office and all of the search and rescue teams for your commitment and unwavering support to find Alexis. You all kept the promise made in 2013, to bring Alexis home!
"During this time, we ask that you continue to lift our family up in prayer and in the words of Alexis, ‘Keep Hope Alive’.”
"Respectfully,
"Family of Alexis Murphy"
Alexis was reported missing on August 3, 2013. She went to Lynchburg to go shopping and vanished without a trace.
Randy Taylor was convicted in her murder and sentenced to two life terms. Taylor attempted an appeal of his conviction, but the Virginia Supreme Court declined to hear his case.
