Suspected human remains found in Butler County

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Local and federal authorities began searching an area east of Poplar Bluff today after suspected human remains were found near the home of an elderly woman who has been missing for more than five years.

"We've located what is possibly human remains within close proximity of Mary Grobe's residence," Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs explained Thursday morning.

Mary Lee Grobe, 74, was last seen at about 6 p.m. Sept. 27, 2003, at her residence at 1557 Route B by her granddaughter, Amy Bridgewater.

Two days later, concerned family members entered Grobe's residence and found her and her dog, "B-B," missing. Her purse and medication were still inside; however, an overnight bag and some winter clothing also were missing.

Since her disappearance, Grobe's dog returned home in good condition a few days later and authorities have conducted extensive searches and followed up numerous leads with no success.

The possible remains, Dobbs said, were found at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday on private property.

Dobbs said he requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and it's local Division of Drug and Crime Control, the Poplar Bluff Police Department and the FBI's evidence response team to help in the search.