Authorities in Washington state reported finding the remains of a woman and her 7-year-old daughter in rural Yakima County. Vancouver police said in a press statement that they had found what they believe to be the remains of Meshay Melendez, 27, and her daughter Layla Stewart, 7, on Wednesday.
Police have said that a report is being compiled by the Clark County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death. Melendez, Layla, and Melendez's ex-boyfriend, Kirkland Warren, were reportedly spotted leaving a friend's house in a burgundy Dodge Charger early on the morning of March 12.
During a search of his residence, police have taken Warren into custody. Police said he was charged with tampering with a witness, assault, drive-by shooting, and unauthorized possession of a handgun, and that he had previously been convicted of domestic abuse charges against Melendez.
Melendez's family had reportedly not heard from her since March 11, so police went to her house in Vancouver, Washington, on March 18 to make sure she was okay. Melendez and her kid had been missing for a few days, and a friend had called the police to report that the dog was inside the house and barking. According to the police, when they entered the house, they found just the dog inside.
According to the investigation, Melendez, Layla, Melendez, and Warren, all remained at the friend's house on March 11.
Melendez's mother discovered her daughter's automobile on March 19, and the police promptly took possession of it. Police said that they arrested Warren the same day they executed a search warrant at his residence. The police have said that their investigation is still underway.
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