Human remains found in North Dakota may be missing Vadnais Heights woman

CASS COUNTY, N.D. (KMSP) - North Dakota authorities have charged a Minnesota man with manslaughter following the discovery of human remains that may belong to a Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, woman who has been missing since late August.

Last Friday, deputies located the remains at a rural location in Cass County, North Dakota, after Barr told them where to look.

The Cass County sheriff’s office and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension had been actively searching the area for Michelle Newell, 45, who was last seen in Cass County on Aug. 30. Authorities believed Newell’s remains were somewhere in a farm building or barn in eastern North Dakota or eastern South Dakota.

Authorities are not yet certain whether the discovered human remains are those of Newell. The medical examiner will make a positive identification.

Barr was previously charged with second degree unintentional murder and criminal vehicular homicide in connection with Newell's disappearance, but the charges were dismissed in October.

Barr has now been charged with manslaughter and duty in accident in involving death or injury.

The Ramsey County sheriff’s office said Barr is custody and is awaiting extradition to North Dakota.