Remains found in St. Pete home identified as missing woman
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - St. Petersburg police have identified human remains found in a home damaged by fire as those of missing woman Kelli Fisher, the department confirmed Thursday.
Fisher was reported missing on July 17 after the 42-year-old was last seen the previous day leaving her aunt's house, which is next door to Fisher's home off Prescott Street South.
Her aunt's car, which police say Fisher was driving, was later found in an abandoned lot about a mile and a half away near 28th Avenue South.
PREVIOUS: Human remains found inside burned St. Pete home connected to missing woman
The case took another turn last Sunday when crews responded to a kitchen fire at Fisher's home, which investigators confirmed is owned by her family. On Wednesday, SPPD announced remains had been found inside the home during a follow-up investigation.
Fisher's family was told Wednesday night that her remains were identified, police said. While the search for Fisher may be over, a new search for answers and justice is just beginning for her family.
Ztoria Jones, Fisher's cousin, said they both grew up side by side, celebrating birthdays together and spending summers as a family. She said they celebrated holidays, had slumber parties and made happy memories in the very home where detectives found her body Wednesday.
"It was hurtful, overwhelmed. We got some type of closure. We just want to know why, why?" said Jones.
Pictured: Kelli Fisher
SPPD officials held a press conference on Fisher's missing persons case the day before her remains were found during a follow-up investigation at the St. Pete home owned by her family where a kitchen fire sparked. For some neighbors, those circumstances make them question how thorough the investigation into her disappearance was to begin with.
"That’s what happens with disenfranchised communities, we get underfunded, ignored," said Rae Centeno, a neighbor.
As the investigation now moves from a missing persons case to a death investigation, there are new, painful questions for Fishers’ family – what happened to her? And who could be responsible for her death?
"Just keep our family in prayer. We appreciate the community, and we just want the best outcome and justice to be served for her," said Jones.
Right now, investigators are not saying how she died or if there are any suspects in this case. SPPD said detectives were focused on the investigation and not available for interviews Thursday.
They're asking anyone with information about the case to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or call 911. You can submit a tip anonymously by texting SPPD to TIP411 (847-411).
SIGN UP: Click here to sign up for the FOX 13 daily newsletter
WATCH FOX 13 NEWS