http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/local_news...vely-identifiedRemains of body in Grand Bay identified
Updated: Wednesday, 10 Aug 2011, 10:27 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 10 Aug 2011, 5:40 PM CDT
John Rogers
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - Investigators have identified the remains of Tammy Stokes, a Bayou la Batre woman who has been missing for three years.
Deputies also made an arrest in the case and they said more suspects are at large. On Wednesday, deputies arrested 34-year-old Isaac Washington, who goes by 'Ike.'
He's accused of shooting and killing 24-year-old Tammy Stokes in 2008. Her remains were found in a wooded area in Grand Bay last week.
Washington was very talkative as he walked into jail, stating his innocence and saying he aspires to become a minister.
Deputies said informants connected Washington to the crime. Washington was picked up in Grand Bay, not far from where Stokes' body was found. At this time, the motive is unclear.
Sgt. Paul Burch with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said, "He did know her, yes. As far as a relationship [with Stokes], we're not sure."
Deputies said they're looking into other suspects in the case as well.
In the summer of 2008, 24-year-old Tammy Stokes suddenly vanished, and her car was found burned. Since that day, her mother has been waiting, hopeful she would come home.
Last week, Bayou la Batre police found the remains of a woman in Grand Bay. Scientists at UWF were able to confirm through dental records that it was Tammy Stokes.
Tammy's mother, Cherry Stokes, is thankful that she finally knows where her daughter is, but it doesn't make it any easier.
Through tears, Cherry Stokes said, "I want justice, and I want to know who he is, and I want to know why that I don't have a daughter. I know other people go through this, and my heart cries for them, and I never thought my daughter would be one."
Stokes did not recognize Washington and does not know of any relationship. She just wants answers about her daughter's death.