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Deputies: Human remains found in east Orange County those of missing woman

Human remains that were found last month in a wooded area in east Orange County have been identified as those of a missing woman, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.
"Detectives informed Ms. Bonta’s family last evening in order to allow them to hear the information firsthand and give them privacy and time to inform other loved ones," Watrel said. "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Ms. Bonta during this difficult time."
The death remains under investigation.
Detectives said the next step is to examine the remains and figure out how Bonta died. 
The remains were found by two men who were picking Palmetto berries.
All that was left were bones and the distinct rings she wore.
Watrel said tips poured in when pictures were released of the rings.
“That broke the case. People started to call, sent pictures and it really helped move this investigation forward,” said Watrel.
Her father said he hopes the public can help.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Video: Father of woman whose remains were found speaks

“I knew it was over. It was that moment we had been waiting for, for a long time,” said her father, Kevin Bonta.
He said he received the news from detectives Tuesday night that dental records confirmed the bones were Tia Bonta’s.
But dental records can’t explain how Bonta died.
“Everything is still pending. We have a forensic anthropologist that is on the case right now examining the bones,” said Detective Peter Hernandez. “Once he makes his determination then we will have a little more information.”
Authorities are not ruling anything or anybody out, including James Dellafield Jr. who was, at one point, a person of interest in her disappearance.
Kevin Bonta said even though he had been preparing for the news for months, it was still tough.
“It’s hard to imagine your child on the side of the road somewhere and no telling how long it’s been. It’s tough to hear. Real tough,” he said.
He said it’s a relief that he can give her a proper burial, but he will not stop searching for the truth about what happened to her.
“If anybody knows what may have happened and how she got there, any other leads, there is still a reward out there,” he said.
Anyone with information can contact the Orange County Sheriff's Office or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

Watch: Deputies give update on Tia Bonta's remains found:

UPDATE: Through forensic techniques, OCSO detectives can now confirm the remains found on Fort Christmas Road and Lake...

Posted by Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida on Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Jeff Levkulich

Jeff Levkulich, WFTV.com

Jeff Levkulich joined the Eyewitness News team as a reporter in June 2015.

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