Missing Illinois woman's remains found in Indiana woods

GARY, Ind. (WGN) -- Authorities say the remains of an Illinois mother of six have been found in northwest Indiana more than 13 months after she went missing.

A skull and other human remains were found by a Gary city worker in a wooded area last week. A subsequent cadaver dog search found more remains.

The remains have been identified as those of 36-year-old Jessica Flores of South Chicago Heights, Ill. Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said dental records confirmed Flores's identity.

Jessica Flores and Melina Cottrell, 26, were reported missing from Gary in late February 2019. The pair disappeared after meeting up with 41-year-old Drew Carter III, nicknamed “Tiny,” authorities said.

Police later found Cottrell, who said she was able to escape Carter after he held her captive with a weapon. Cottrell told police Flores was shot in the head after she told Carter she did not want him to have sex with Cottrell, according to court documents obtained by the Chicago Tribune. Carter has since been charged with murdering Flores and kidnapping Cottrell.

MORE:

• Skeletal remains found in Gary are those of missing woman believed to be murdered, police say - Times of Northwest Indiana

• Remains of missing South Chicago Heights woman found in Gary woods - WGN