Human remains have been discovered while searching for missing Longwood University freshman AJ Hadsell, police confirmed earlier today.
The investigation led police to the 34000 block of Smith's Ferry Road in Southampton County where the remains were found, police spokeswoman Melinda Wray said in a news release earlier today.
"Based on our investigative efforts, upon search of that area, human remains were discovered," Wray told The Rotunda in a phone interview.
The remains will be taken to a medical examiner for additional examination and to define the cause of death. Police said this morning that the investigation had been further expended and the FBI was now involved.
AJ has been missing since March 2, now 39 days ago, when she disappeared from her Norfolk home while on spring break from Longwood University.
According to The Pilot, The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is also involved in the search.
When asked what led police to the Southampton area, Wray said, "We’re not going to comment on investigative efforts that led us to the area because of the integrity of the criminal investigation.”
Police have still yet to confirm if they believe foul play was involved in AJ’s disappearance, and would give no further details about the investigation.
Stay with The Rotunda for future updates on the story.
For a full rundown of events in AJ's situation since her disappearance, read here.
