Body is Emily Sander, Authorities Confirm
By Stan Finger, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.
Dec. 1–Investigators confirmed today that the white female found near Toronto earlier this week is Emily Sander, the 18-year-old Butler Community College student missing since Nov. 23.
Sander’s body was positively identified by a forensic orthodontist, El Dorado Police Chief Tom Boren reported in a statement issued by e-mail.
Her body was found Thursday along U.S. 54 in Woodson County, about 50 miles east of El Dorado. Near the body, investigators found the bedspread that had been missing from Israel Mireles’ El Dorado motel room.
The search continues for Mireles, 24, who has been named as the suspect in Sander’s death. Boren said investigators are re-interviewing witnesses, family and associates of Mireles and his 16-year-old girlfriend, who is believed to be with him.
A forensic examination and autopsy have been performed, but those results plus the cause of death have been sealed by Butler County Attorney Jan Satterfield. She declined comment on Saturday.
Sander’s grandfather, Clem Sander of El Dorado, said family members learned Friday that the body was Emily.
“That’s what we were praying for: get her found, get a closure on this and take it from there,” Sander said.
But knowing does little to ease the pain, he said.
“It’s going to be a bad day today,” he said. “You’ve got to face reality here…it’s tough.”
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Persons with information on the case should contact the El Dorado Police Department at 316-321-9120 the state crime tip line at 800-KSCRIME or the El Dorado Crimestoppers at 316-321-1080.
Reach Stan Finger at 316-268-6437 or sfinger@wichitaeagle.com.
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