TULALIP, Wash. — The chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribes spoke publicly for the first time Monday about the discovery of Mary Ellen Johnson's remains. DNA testing confirmed that skeletal remains found in a Darrington ravine belong to the tribal member who vanished nearly five years ago.

Teri Gobin said that someone discovered the remains in June while walking in the area and alerted the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. The FBI had previously stated the remains were found in "a remote area of North Snohomish County" but had not specified the exact location.

"It's heartbreaking to know that it came to this point where they have found her remains," Gobin said. "The sisters were hoping for a different result, but it's also a relief in knowing that we can bring her back home."

Johnson, was la

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