ELGIN, S.C. — A family in Elgin is grappling with a mix of emotions as the remains of Adriana Laster, missing since 2011, have been identified, and a suspect named.
Richland County officials announced the findings on Friday, bringing some closure to a family and community that have been searching for Laster for over a decade.
"I just feel now that to us that she's free, and the butterfly that she has always wanted to be, she is that butterfly," Phyllis Horn said. Laster's daughter Crystal lives with Horn, who is her paternal grandmother.
Horn said she remembered her as a loving mother, sister, and daughter.
"She was maybe 17 when she had Crystal, but Crystal was the love of her life," Horn said.
Adriana's disappearance has haunted Elgin since September 4, 2011, when she was last seen walking down Kelly Street on her way to church. Last week, construction workers discovered her remains at a sand pit located off Highway Church Road in northeast Richland County.
"Our former chief, current chief, former investigator Sinclair - we were not going to give up until we found her," said Elgin Mayor Melissa Emmons. "It's confirmation, but it's also not the end of her story, and we will continue to pursue justice for her."
Adriana lived with Freddie Grant at the time of her disappearance. He has previously been convicted of killing Columbia teen Gabbie Swainson.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Elgin police were seeking a murder warrant for Freddie Grant. Mayor Emmons said it was the department's unwavering commitment that led to this crucial step in seeking justice.
"Our goal, right now, is to get justice for her - to be her voice," said Emmons.
However, the family said true closure will only come with justice served.
"We will never have closure until Freddy Grant is indicted for her murder," Horn said.
As the coroner's office works to determine the cause of Adriana Laster's death, the family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice.