Marlon A. Walker, Staff Writer
RALEIGH - Authorities found unidentified human remains near an SUV belonging to a missing Clayton woman at a North Raleigh day-care center.
The family of Kelli Woolard, missing since July 12, said Friday that after talking with authorities, they've lost much hope of her being found alive.
"The family is very distraught with the news," said Cliff Frazier, 28, Woolard's brother. "We're trying to be optimistic, but given all the development, it's hard for us to look at this in a positive light. We're praying for her and wishing for her safe return, but we don't know if that's going to be the case or not."
Kelli Woolard, 31, of Clayton, was seen early on July 12 by her father, whom she was visiting for his birthday, Frazier said. Woolard's husband, Clint, reported her missing Monday when she never returned home from her Saturday trip.
On Friday, Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue said officers received a call about an abandoned vehicle at the Growing Child day-care center, at 321 Spring Forest Road in Raleigh. The silver 2007 Jeep Liberty in the parking lot, with the license place HAPPIRN (Happy Nurse), was quickly identified as the vehicle Woolard had been driving when she disappeared.
Frazier said authorities told the family that Kelli Woolard's car keys had been found with the remains.
The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy and identification, Sughrue said Friday night. Johnston County officials said earlier that no foul play was suspected in Woolard's disappearance.
Frazier said he grew up in a home with big sister Kelli and his mother, Cathy Whealton. The group call themselves "The Three Musketeers" because of the bond they shared.
"I'd like to think that she and I had no secrets, that I could look at my sister and tell what she's thinking," he said. "That's what blows me away. Nobody saw this coming."
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