Human remains found in South Carolina identified as missing Erica Parsons

Human remains discovered in South Carolina have been positively identified as missing 13-year-old Erica Parsons, according to the Rowan County Sheriff's Office. If alive today, she would have been 18.

In August 2016, investigators with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office and the FBI obtained additional leads that confirmed that Erica was more than likely deceased.

Multiple agencies from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Rowan County, and SLED were in Chesterfield County on Tuesday, September 27 searching in connection to the Erica Parsons' case.

According to Sheriff Jay Brooks with Chesterfield County, Sandy Parsons, Erica Parson's adoptive father, led law enforcement to Erica's remains.

Sheriff Brooks said law enforcement brought Sandy Parson to an area in Chesterfield County and he indicated where the remains would be. Authorities then took him back to prison.

On Tuesday, September 27, a cadaver dog from North Carolina SBI was brought in. Within an hour and a half of the dog searching, skeletal human remains believed to be Erica were located off of Highway 9, between Pageland and Mount Croghan.

The remains were transported to the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office and were identified as the remains of Erica Lynn Parsons.

The family of Erica was notified about the recovery of her body.

RELATED: Small animal bones found at former home of Erica Parsons

U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from missing girl's father

Erica hadn't been seen since 2011. It wasn't until July 2013 that her disappearance was reported.

Erica's adoptive parents are both behind bars after they were convicted of fraud charges. Casey and Sandy Parsons were receiving government money and assistance for Erica while she was no longer with them.

RELATED: Police: Erica Parsons' Biological Father Found Dead

The FBI released the following statement on Friday, September 30.

"The recent discovery of Erica Parson's remains is heartbreaking. There is no way to adequately explain the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who have worked tirelessly for the past three years to find Erica. Erica's adoptive parents, Sandy and Casey Parsons are serving federal prison sentences related to fraud uncovered by the FBI during the missing child phase of the investigation. As the case moves forward determining exactly how Erica died and whether or what criminal charges apply will be a state issue. The FBI will continue to offer support as appropriate to our law enforcement partners at the Rowan County Sheriff's Office as their work continues," said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Charlotte Division.

Officials say a press conference will be scheduled for some time next week.

This story is breaking, refresh periodically for updates.