Human skeletal remains were found Wednesday afternoon near Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield, causing speculation as to whether or not the remains belonged to a missing Royal Lakes woman.

However, during a press conference Thursday afternoon, Law enforcement authorities said there is no apparent relationship between the remains and the woman who went missing in January.

According to State Police Investigator Calvin Brown, the remains were found around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday by a utility worker near a wooded area next to the Lake. The worker then contacted the Litchfield Police, who requested assistance from the State Police. Authorities searched the area Wednesday evening and Thursday morning for additional evidence that may have been related to the remains. All items that were recovered were sent to the State Police Forensic Laboratory for further examination and analysis.

According to Brown, there is no time frame for when the analysis will be complete. Police, however, do not believe the remains are related to Denita Hedden, who went missing in January from Royal Lakes.

Those attending the press conference Thursday were Litchfield Police Chief Lee Jarman, Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl, Montgomery County Coroner Randy Leetham, Montgomery County State's Attorney Bryant Hitchings, Montgomery County Undersheriff Rick Robbins and State Police District 18 Commander Kenny Guard.