Remains are those of missing woman
Anne Arundel County police have identified the partial human remains found in October as that of a Glen Burnie woman reported missing just a little over a week earlier.
Police said DNA tests results identified the body part found Oct. 23 on Marley Creek as Melanie Faith Meleney, 45. She was reported missing Oct. 13 by her adult son.
After an area resident walking his dog found the remains in the 1400 block of Furnace Avenue near the Church of the Good Shepherd, police began a weeks-long search of the area for other remains or something that would identify the woman.
Dive teams searched the creek several times but did not locate any other remains. Police declined to identify what body part was found.
DNA testing confirmed Jan. 7 the
recovered remains were Meleney. She was last seen Oct. 12.
No charges have been filed, and police have not called Meleney's death a homicide. They continue to investigate it as a suspicious death, a police spokeswoman said.
County homicide detectives and the state medical examiner in Baltimore are working to determine the cause of death and the nature of Meleney's injuries.
Police said they have conducted interviews since the discovery, executed several search warrants and collected evidence for further forensic analysis.
Police urged anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. To remain anonymous, call the Police Tip Line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers.
Anne Arundel County recorded 23 homicides in 2018, with all but one of them were death by gun violence. In that case, an FBI agent stabbed his estranged wife to death and then shot himself.
Annapolis recorded one homicide last year, also a gunshot victim.
Of those 24 total, 10 remain unsolved. In addition to Meleney, at least one other death in 2018 being investigated by county police has yet to be ruled a homicide.