VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A body found in a wooded area of Virginia Beach last week has been identified as that of 22-year-old Denise Martin, family members and police confirm.
Martin was reported missing on June 19.
More than a week later, crews searching for her found a body in a wooded area off Edgehill Avenue in Virginia Beach.
Police said no foul play is suspected at this time.
A statement was posted Saturday on social media made on behalf of family members confirmed the body is that of Martin.
After sitting down with Denise’s father, we’ve agreed that given the attention Denise’s case has gotten over the past week, the time has come to announce this publicly.
It is with a heavy heart I say, that after hearing from officials, it has been confirmed that the body found was in fact Denise’s.
Thank you to all that shared Denise’s story and helped in the search for her whether it was as a volunteer on foot, sharing a post, or saying a prayer.
We ask that in this time and in the weeks to come, family and friends- keeping in mind those of us that took to social media as a means to helping in the search- are given the time to begin the healing process and mourn the loss of a beautiful daughter, sister, girlfriend and friend.
From me to Denise Martin- Rest In Peace, babe. I love you with all my heart. You are and will always be, my person.
This is not the end of Denise’s story.
~ Miriam Stephanie Graciela Loya
Stay tuned to WAVY.com for updates on this developing story.
