By Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

EVANSDALE — Authorities today said hunters found two bodies in a wooded area. While they did not say they were the missing girls from Evansdale, law officers said it was not the end they had hoped.

Capt. Rick Abben said the two bodies were found in an undisclosed wooded area about 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.

The bodies have been taken to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy and to get a positive identification.

Elizabeth Collins, now 9, of Evansdale, and Lyric Cook-Morrissey, now 11, of Waterloo, who are cousins, have been missing from Evansdale since July 13 — 145 days.

The girls were last seen that day on their bicycles. Their bicycles and Elizabeth’s purse were found near the recreational trail around Meyer’s Lake in Evansdale.

No trace of the girls has been seen since. They have been the subject of massive searches and police investigations by several agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The parents of both girls have been notified of the new development. They have asked for privacy.

Abben said he would give more information Thursday afternoon.