For those who don't know ... where Hailey's remains were found used to be in Lake JB Thomas, but since there has been a drought in the area for the past few years, the lake has started drying up from the edges.
When the remains were first found, I believed they were Hailey's because of the location and the absolute secrecy with which LE held information. They wouldn't say an approximate age or anything about the discovery. In addition, they sent the remains to a DNA lab for identification, and the complete testing took longer than just a dental record exam or match from clothes, etc. I think they wanted an airtight case that there could be no doubt the remains were Hailey's.
IMO, Hailey's murderer drove out and dumped her body in Lake JB Thomas, thinking she would never be found. They thought the water would completely destroy her little body. What they didn't count on was the extended drought that continually lowered the water level until Hailey's remains ended up on dry land where they were eventually found.
Colorado City is only 30 miles from Lake JB Thomas. Now the wheels of justice can begin to turn. A certain young man had means, motive, and opportunity to kill Hailey. With a body, the defense cannot claim she ran away. The drought brought us Hailey and the truth.