Body positively identified as missing NH woman, Kelly Robarge
Posted: Jul 07, 2013 6:55 PM EST Updated: Jul 07, 2013 6:56 PM EST
By Kristen Tripodi -
Unity, New Hampshire -
The body found in the woods in New Hampshire Saturday- is that of missing Charlestown woman, Kelly Robarge.
Police say they identified her based on dental records and a distinctive tattoo. They have also ruled her death a homicide.
Search and rescue teams worked tirelessly during the past week to help find Robarge.
Her team -New England K-9 Search and Rescue was called in the day after Kelly Robarge was reported missing.
"We've been searching almost every day of the week; with the exception of the fourth of July holiday," said Robyn Millan.
Millan and her search dog Finn joined others to help find Robarge.
The dogs work off the air - to detect a human scent.
"They are looking for any human that is out of place. So if they meet hikers or other searchers along the way, an experienced dog will know the difference and know that person is not lost," said Millan.
After searching day after day; their hard work paid off.
"We were really happy when the subject had been found because it helps the case and helps bring closure to the family," said Millan.
Search and rescue teams found Robarge's body along Britton Road in Unity, New Hampshire. It's a dirt road with family homes. But it's also hilly and surrounded on both sides with thick, dense forest. Those conditions coupled with the unpredictable weather made for a difficult search.
"Pretty much every afternoon the sky would open up and we'd get a pretty heavy downpour. And then it's been pretty hot and humid. We were trying to work very early in the morning because we get concerned about the dogs particularly in the heat," said Millan.
Despite the heat - Millan says she hopes they were able to help bring closure to Robarge's loved ones.
"Even in a case that turns out with a tragic ending, I have found family members to be extremely grateful that they just know what happened and their loved one isn't just out there laying in the woods somewhere but can have a proper burial," said Millan.
Now that police officially ruled Robarge's death a homicide; a murder investigation has begun.
They have not announced any suspects, but they did arrest Robarge's husband, James Robarge, for attempting to elude police on Tuesday.