NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The body recovered from Mariners' Lake in Newport News Monday afternoon was Marwa Barakzai, the Menchville High School teen who was reported missing last month, Police Chief Steve Drew confirmed Thursday morning in a press conference.
There were no immediate signs of foul play, Drew said, adding that Marwa's remains were consistent of an individual who had been submerged for two-and-a-half to three weeks.
Becoming emotional at times, Drew recounted the efforts his department underwent to try and find Marwa since she disappeared on March 19. He had reported about a week after her disappearance that she asked to be let off at a different bus stop than usual.
Watch: Full press conference about Marwa Barakzai
"It had been my prayer, staying up late at night, getting briefed each morning," Drew said, hoping they would find answers.
The Peninsula Islamic Community Center first reported her death Wednesday night in a social post on behalf of the Barakzai family.
"Please keep the family in your duas, respect their privacy, and avoid speculation," the center said.
Joining Drew for the press conference Thursday was Mayor Phillip Jones, who began by saying confirming the body recovered belonged to Marwa.
"She was 16 years old with her whole life ahead of her," Jones said. "This is not the outcome that any of us had hoped for."
Drew said he and his team had spoken with the medical examiner, who stressed that there was no sign of struggle, no signs of strangulation, and no signs of sexual assault. Due to the state of her body, they were able to identify her through dental records.
"The only person that knows why they left is Marwa. I don't lknow what was in her heart and I don't know what was in her mind. I know that her family cares about her," said Drew.
Chief Drew says a toxicology report may provide some answers, but that will take weeks to get back.
"With any family, it's hard, but with some unanswered questions, I think makes this a little harder," said Drew.
The Islamic center announced funeral services would take place Friday.
