LUMBERTON, N.C. — A kidnapped North Carolina 13-year-old likely died of suffocation or strangulation, but her cause of death couldn't be determined conclusively, an autopsy report has revealed.
[PAST COVERAGE: NC investigator fired amid claims of overlooked DNA in Hania Aguilar case]
The state's Office of the Chief Medical examiner ruled that Hania Aguilar died of undetermined "homicidal violence." The autopsy released Wednesday said she most likely died of some form of asphyxia because other causes of death were ruled out.
The autopsy notes her decomposing body was found late last November in a body of water. The autopsy also found signs of sexual violence.
[PAST COVERAGE: Man accused of raping, killing Lumberton teen could face death penalty]
Hania had disappeared earlier in the month from a mobile home park when she went outside to start a relative's SUV before school. Scores of people joined an intensive search that garnered national attention.
Michael Ray McLellan faces rape, murder and other charges in Hania's death.