LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- A forensic examination has determined human remains found by a hunter in southern Kentucky are those of a girl who had been missing for nearly 11 years.

The McCreary County sheriff's department confirmed in a news release that the remains belonged to Crystal Sue Marler, who was 15 when she was last seen on Oct. 12, 1998 in Whitley City.

A medical examiner's report found a gunshot wound and blunt force trauma were the causes of death.

A hunter found the remains on April 25 in the Peel Dogwood community of McCreary County. According to the sheriff's department news release, additional evidence was found near the remains, but that evidence wasn't disclosed.

Sheriff Gus Skinner says the department would give the investigation its highest priority.