Coroner: Homicide in remains found 17 months ago

CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) — A northwestern Indiana coroner's office has ruled the death of a woman missing since 1999 a homicide.

The remains of 38-year-old Francine Carlson of Whiting were discovered in in Hammond two years ago by a dog digging at the site of a former bait and tackle shop.

Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller tells The Times of Munster (http://bit.ly/XMgdcn ) that more than 30 people have been interviewed by authorities since the remains were found in October 2011. He says the individual police believe to have been responsible for the killing is deceased. Miller declined to name the suspect.

Miller says because police are confident they have identified the killer, the case leaves police "with an empty feeling."

___

Information from: The Times, http://www.thetimesonline.com