The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Missing and Murdered Unit initiated a search operation Feb. 17, related to the ongoing investigation of missing persons Molly Miller, a Chickasaw citizen, and Colt Haynes.

This search was a coordinated effort involving the BIA – Missing and Murdered Unit, Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department, Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management, FBI, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and Texas Search and Rescue.

Search teams conducted operations Feb. 18 in Love County, in an area between Oswalt Road, Pike Road and Long Hollow Road. During the search, two sets of human remains were discovered. The remains were collected by the FBI Evidence Response Team and the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for forensic examination and identification. The search area is about 105 miles south of Seminole County.

According to a news release, the identity of the remains is unknown. It is also unknown if the remains are connected to the ongoing missing person investigation. Identifying the remains and determining the cause and manner of death will require a thorough forensic process.

The location where remains were found Feb. 18 had not previously been searched. Prior search areas were identified based on the information, evidence and leads available to investigators at the time. As new details emerged in the investigation and landowner assistance was obtained, search parameters were expanded, leading to the current operation in this newly identified area.

“We understand this development raises concern within the community and, most importantly, for the Miller and Haynes families. Family members have been notified, and our thoughts remain with them during this difficult and uncertain time. The families will continue to receive investigation updates as appropriate and our full support services remain available to them,” an official stated in a news release. “This investigation remains active. Investigators continue to pursue leads, evaluate evidence and coordinate efforts. We are working in collaboration with our partner agencies, and their continued assistance and expertise are critical to the integrity and scope of this investigation.”

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department at (580) 436-1166 or submit information anonymously at Chickasawlighthorsepolice. net/Confidential-Tip-Line or to the BIA-MMU at OJS_ mmu@bia.gov.