This morning, members of the FBI Phoenix Evidence Response Team (ERT) and the FBI LA Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT) found an item consistent with what investigators were looking for in connection with the 2006 unsolved murder of 16-year-old Katherine Tortice (see original press release).

Please know that any potential evidence found will not be discussed further as this is an ongoing investigation.

Depending on the weather today, teams will continue searching in and around the pond. Search teams did take a short break this morning due to difficult weather conditions (hail, rain, snow, and lighting).

The FBI is committed to bringing to justice those responsible for this murder and equally important, to providing answers to the family and friends of Katherine Tortice.

The FBI and White Mountain Apache Tribal Police are encouraging anyone with firsthand information about this crime to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.