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Bodies Of 2 Women Found In Shallow Graves In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Investigators are working to confirm whether two bodies found in a shallow grave over the weekend are those of two women kidnapped from outside of a Hamtramck home last month.

Following a tip to Hamtramck Police, the shallow graves were discovered on Sunday along the Rouge River on Detroit's northwest side near McNichols and Telegraph, in an area known for illegal dumping and criminal activity.

Although no positive identification has yet been made, it is believed by officials that the bodies are those of the two Hamtramck women, Abreeya Brown and Ashley Conaway, who were abducted at gunpoint last month. The bodies, which were covered by brush and logs, were discovered not far from where the burned-out car believed to have been used in their abduction was discovered.

"On the surface, they fit the description of the two missing ladies," Chief Ralph Godbee told reporters at the scene on Sunday, adding: "We're going to be out here a long time."

Autopsies are scheduled for Monday.

No one has been charged in the disappearance and deaths of Brown and Conaway.

Conaway's ex-boyfriend, 26-year-old Brandon Cain, and another man were charged earlier this month in a Feb. 8 shooting involving the missing women. Cain and Brian Lee, 24, are in custody and have not been charged in the women's disappearance.

Lee was scheduled for a preliminary examination in district court Monday, but the Detroit Free Press reported that a prosecutor expected that to be pushed back until Friday so both men can face the judge together.

Brown's grandmother, Joyce Watson, 84, said police called late Sunday afternoon to notify her that the bodies had been found. She told the Detroit Free Press that Brown's mother was a "wreck."

"It's hard. But she wasn't too surprised," Watson said of Lois Brown. "She just said she wanted closure. She knew they couldn't live this long."

-Read related story here-

Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for more on this developing story.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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