Springfield, Illinois – The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, can confirm the identity of the human remains found at a residence in the 2100 block of East South Grand Avenue in Springfield yesterday.

The remains in question were examined today in Springfield. The individual has been scientifically identified and the remains are those of Michelle R. Bianco of Springfield.

Ms. Bianco was reported missing more than 15 years ago in the Springfield area. After the post mortem examination today the official cause and manner of death is still pending addition studies.

The death remains under investigation by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Sangamon County Coroner.

UPDATE FROM SHERIFF:

On Sunday, April 14th at 1:00 p.m., the Springfield Police Dept. was contacted by the resident of 2128 S. Grand Ave. The resident was remodeling and located in the crawlspace under the house a purse with personal documents inside with the name “Michelle Bianco.” SPD was aware the Sheriff’s Office had a missing person case on Bianco, and contacted SCSO.

Deputies and Detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation. Due to the purse being located in the soil under the house, it was determined that ISP assist in processing this type of scene.

On Monday, April 15th, ISP began their forensic processing of the cellar around 10:40 a.m. At approximately 12:03 p.m., they discovered skeletal remains and advised SCSO Detectives. At 12:05 p.m., an Anthropologist from the Illinois State Museum was requested to assist in the identification of the remains. After a positive ID that the bones were human, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon was contacted and responded to the scene. Coroner Allmon took custody of the remains and returned the scene to Detectives. Today, Coroner Allmon notified SCSO the remains were that of Bianco.

The investigation of Bianco’s death continues. She was originally reported missing on April 8, 2008