Submitted Photo Reachelle Smith, 3, disappeared in May 2006 and has never been found. Police announced Tuesday that they have concluded she was murdered by Leigh Cowen, who killed himself five days later.

Minot Police announced at a press conference Tuesday that they have concluded there is overwhelming evidence that 3-year-old Reachelle Smith was murdered in May 2006 in Minot by family friend Leigh Cowen, who killed himself at the Upper Souris Wildlife Refuge five days later.

The child’s remains have never been found, but police reviewed evidence and witness statements in the case and concluded the child is dead and Cowen was the only one responsible.

More information will be in tomorrow’s edition of The Minot Daily News.