Search for Melanie's Remains Comes Up Empty

Members of Melanie Melanson's family are convinced that the teenager's body is not located in the woods near after

"It was a long weekend," said Frank Masciulli, Melanie's uncle, via a statement on the family's public Facebook page. "Although it is heartbreaking we did not get the answers we would have liked, we did get closure to the unknown about this area that has concerned the family for years."

after hanging out with friends in the woods. Although two males were last seen with Melanie, both have maintained for years that they have no knowledge of what happened to the teenaged girl.

after a recent anonymous tip and a cadaver dogs indicated that human remains may be located in the woods behind Bickford's on Montvale Avenue.

"The meticulous, painstaking effort that was done in the dig gives the family confidence that Melanie is not there," said Masciulli.

"Now, we take our hurting hearts, lift our heads, give thanks to the Lord for this effort and closure for this area and move on," he added.

The family was joined by volunteers from Mission for the Missing, a private group that assists families in searches, as well as a Connecticut search and rescue team, a forensic archaelogy recovery team, Sean Farrell Excavating, J&S Landscaping, Throne Depot, Lifeline Ambulance service and private investigator Michael Garrigan.

"On behalf of the family, I can not even begin to express the gratitude we have for the absolute professional work that was performed [this weekend]," said Masciulli in the family's statement. "May God bless you all for the kindness of your hearts to the giving and care for others in need."

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Family members said publicly today that they intend to continue searching.

"We will never, never, never give up until you are properly laid to rest," said family on Melanie's Facebook page.