Remains found in backyard identified as missing Clark County woman

NEW ALBANY, IN (WAVE) – The remains found in the backyard of William Clyde Gibson have been identified.

The remains are those of 35-year-old Stephanie Marie Kirk, of Charlestown, Indiana.

Medical examiners used dental records and other means to identify the remains as Stephanie's.

"Relieved in a way," said Stephanie's grandmother, Betty Kirk, upon learning the remains found were those of her grand daughter. "Knowing that she's not tied up in a room somewhere held prisoner, or whatever. Now, she's in heaven with her mother."

Kirk was last seen at a friend's house on Spring Street in New Albany on March 25. She left and went walking toward the Uptown Bar.

[Related Story: Deputies working to find missing Clark County woman]

Betty Kirk said her grand daughter, Stephanie, was close to her father. Stephanie would call and check in. When days, then weeks passed without word from Stephanie, the worrying grew.

"Well, just not knowing what was going on with her," said Betty Kirk. "And worrying about what could happen to her and where she was at. That was the main thing, and how she was being treated."

Stephanie's father, Tony Kirk, made a plea earlier this week.

"I want her to come home. She's got a daughter. We both miss her. We both worry about her, can't sleep. Her daughter can't sleep," Tony Kirk said.

Crews began digging in Gibson's yard Friday based on information they developed earlier in the day.

Gibson is being charged with the murders of Gibson is charged in the death of 75-year-old Christine Whitis and 45-year-old Karen Hodella.

[Related Story: Police uncover remains in murder suspect's back yard]

The cause of Kirk's death is still under investigation by medical examiners.

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