Heather McDonald Autopsy Results 'Pending Further Testing'

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Medical Examiner Office has completed the autopsy on the body of Heather McDonald, but it may take a while before those results are finalized.

That's according to Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Nelly Miles, who said the results of the exam are "pending further testing."

However, that type of testing is not being divulged at this time by the agency "due to the sensitivity of the case," Miles stated.

McDonald's remains were discovered by hunters Sunday, Oct. 30 on abandoned property along Coppermine Road in Haralson County.

Following the discovery, the Haralson County Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of the GBI, and the remains were positively identified as belonging to McDonald on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

McDonald, 27, was last seen in the area of US-411 and I-75 in Cartersville around 7 p.m. Sept. 18. Her vehicle, a red Jeep Wrangler, was located in the parking lot of the Courtesy Inn at 2335 US-411 the morning of Sept. 19.

The GBI, Cartersville Police Department, Bartow County Drug Task Force, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Atlanta Field Office had been working diligently to find McDonald since her disappearance in mid-September.

All agencies that have a hand in the investigation continue to follow-up on all leads in the case.

While there have been reports that a person of interest was taken into custody by officials, the GBI would not confirm those details with Patch.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Cartersville Police Department at 770-382-2526 or the GBI’s Calhoun Regional Office at 706-624-1424.

The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $20,000 for information about the death of Heather McDonald.

Return to Patch for updates.

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