SPEARFISH - Spearfish investigators say an autopsy was performed Wednesday on the remains of a person recovered from a burned-down house early Sunday morning.
However, the results of that probe and a positive identification on the body may still be up to a week away, according to Spearfish Police Lt. Curt Jacobs. There is also no timetable on determining the cause of the fire, Jacobs said.
Sue Ames of Spearfish has been contemplating the likelihood that it is her son, Ryan Ames, 19, who was in the house at 258 Evans Lane when it burned. He lived in the house, and all indications are that it is her son, Sue Ames said.
Officers notified Sue Ames of the fire at 5 a.m. Sunday. Ames has gone as far to prepare a plan for a memorial service, but because arrangements cannot be made until a death certificate is issued, those plans are on hold.
