Authorities in Humboldt County, California have reportedly identified remains found in a river as those of Danielle Bertolini.
The remains were found in the Eel River back in March, according to the Times-Standard. Bertolini's family posted on the 'Help Find Danielle Bertolini and Sheila Franks' Facebook page Thursday with the news and police later confirmed the information.
"I don't have time to grieve right now. I have to keep moving on," Billie-Jo Dick said. "I will remember her always as my bright little angel."
Danielle was last seen on February 9th, 2014 outside Fortuna in the rural Swains Flat area near Highway 36. The then 23-year-old was reportedly supposed to get a ride into town, but she never arrived. The man who officials say picked Bertolini up was also the last person seen with Sheila Franks, who vanished on February 2nd, 2014. Franks was 38 years old when she vanished and left behind a young son.
According to Fortuna Police Department Chief William Dobberstein, investigators believe the two women's cases are connected and there is a person of interest in the cases.
"Both cases are on-going investigations. We're working with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department closely and following all our leads, but yes, we have identified a person of interest in both cases and it's the same man. We aren't releasing his name at this time," Chief Dobebrstein said.
If you have any information that can help in Danielle Bertolini's case, please contact the Fortuna Police Department at (707) 725-7550. Anyone with information that can help in Sheila Frank's case is asked to call the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department at (707) 445-7251.