Missing UNT student Kelli Cox's remains possibly found near Houston

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More human remains have been found at a site near Houston possibly connected to a 19-year-old cold case out of Denton.

Kelli Cox, a 20-year-old University of North Texas student and young mother, disappeared in 1997.

Police reopened their investigation after a man convicted of a different kidnapping that same year started talking to authorities. William Reece, 56, reportedly directed police to a burial site.

"We're finally a step closer to getting answers," said Cox's mom, Jan Bynum. "If she's gone, I want to know."

Denton police said Tuesday they are currently participating in the crime scene excavation in Brazoria County.

“The Denton Police Department cannot say definitively that the remains recovered are Kelli Cox; however, we are hopeful that they are,” Officer Shane Kizer said in a news release.

Forensic testing will be ordered to determine the identity of the remains.

“We offer our most sincere condolences to Kelli’s family and friends. We are hopeful that by providing closure to Kelli’s disappearance and justice to the person responsible with help in their grieving process,” Kizer said.

Cox’s daughter, who was just a toddler when she disappeared, is now 20 years old. Like her mother, she’s a student at UNT.