Possibly those of woman with local roots
Mississippi officials believe human remains found in west Tupelo belong to a woman who has been missing since August.
An official from the Tupelo Police Department confirmed that possible human remains had been found on Old Belden Circle. Police were notified at approximately noon May 21 of the find.
Members of the Union County Search and Rescue crew that had been conducting follow-up searches of that area for Lori Ann Cockrell, a Tupelo woman who had been missing for nine months.
Her parents were the late Curtis and Gene Cooper Cockrell, both of whom were Eupora natives who graduated from Eupora High School in 1954. Her maternal grandparents were the late Lagrone and Elsie Cooper of north Greensboro Road.
Lori Cockrell, 58, was last seen shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 10 in the 600 block of Filgo Road in west Tupelo. She was last seen wearing a T-shirt and black leggings.
In September, Cockrell’s family announced a $12,500 reward to anyone who has information that leads to her discovery.
Officials believe the remains could be those of Cockrell, but will not know for sure until confirmed by a lab. Confirmation and identification of remains is normally a lengthy process, officials said.
