(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today issued the following statement upon learning the bodies of Evansdale cousins Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 11, and Elizabeth Collins, 9, were positively identified today. The girls disappeared July 13 while on a bike ride.
"It was with great sadness that I learned of the deaths of Lyric and Elizabeth. I want to commend the thousands of family members, friends and volunteers who never lost hope that they might be found alive. With this closure now comes great grief. The thoughts and prayers of my administration go out to those affected by this terrible tragedy. I want to assure everyone that our Department of Public Safety will continue working with local law enforcement officers. We want justice served for the taking of these young lives."
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