EDMONTON -- Family of missing 19-year-old Alysa Zatelny haven't received confirmation from a medical examiner that remains found near Bear Creek Park were hers, despite a judge drawing that conclusion yesterday.
When reading out charges against Christopher Francis Podruzny, Judge Brian Hougestol named the Grande Prairie teen.
"You are charged that on or about the 11th day of June, 2009, and the 12th day of June, 2009, at or near Grande Prairie in the province of Alberta you did improperly interfere with the human remains of one Alysa Elizabeth Zatelny," Hougestol said in court.
Zatelny's uncle, Gerald Zatelny, said her family wasn't doing well yesterday, but he didn't want to comment further until they have officially been informed of her death by the medical examiner.
"I know what's been said in court, but the medical examiner hasn't (confirmed it)," he said.
RCMP spokesman, Cpl. Carol McKinley, said police also hadn't received confirmation of the identity.
The judge's information was based on "reasonable and probable grounds gathered in the investigation," she said.
Podruzny, 21, is also facing three charges of breaching terms of recognizance as a result of his arrest.
A 14-year-old girl, who has not been named, has also been charged with indignity to a body. Her charges were not read aloud.
Podruzny is to appear in court July 15 while the 14-year-old is to appear July 13.
Zatelny was reported missing June 13, two days after she was last seen by a friend.
Meanwhile, a tribute Facebook page for her ballooned to more than 1,200 members.
Many of the wall posts indicated friends are anxious to officially find out whether the body found is that of the popular girl.
"I am still waiting for news that this is not her that they have found and that there is still hope for her out there," one friend wrote.
ALYSSA.NOEL@SUNMEDIA.CA
