Athena Brownfield's remains positively identified, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says
The human remains recovered during a search for a 4-year-old Cyril girl have been positively identified.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation disclosed Thursday the remains have been identified "as those of Athena Brownfield."
Oklahoma's chief medical examiner, Dr. Eric Pfeifer, confirmed DNA was used to make the identification.
He said DNA from the remains was compared to DNA from swabs obtained from the girl's biological parents. "It was a match."
Athena and her older sister were staying in Cyril with a relative of their mother, the OSBI disclosed earlier.
The relative, Alysia Adams, 31, is now charged with two counts of child neglect. Her husband, Ivon Neil Adams III, 36, is charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of child neglect.
More:Athena Brownfield's remains positively identified, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says
Alysia Adams confessed to the OSBI her husband killed Athena late Christmas Day, according to a court affidavit. She also told the OSBI he later said "that he buried her near a fence line that was next to their old residence in Rush Springs."
OSBI agents recovered the remains Jan. 17 in the Rush Springs area.
A massive search for Athena began on Jan. 10 after a postal carrier found her 5-year-old sister, Adina, wandering around outside. The carrier notified police.
The OSBI gave no other details Thursday in its announcement about the positive identification.
"Due to a gag order filed in Caddo County District Court, there is no additional comment on the investigation from the OSBI," it said.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: DNA used to confirm Athena Brownfield's remains, Okla.'s chief ME says
