Police: Body of student who vanished found in La.

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) -- Police in Louisiana say a body found this week has been identified as that of a college student who had been missing since May.

Lafayette police say the body was that of Michaela "Mickey" Shunick. She had been last seen riding her bicycle from a friend's house early May 19, days before her 22nd birthday. Eight days later, the bike was found partially submerged in a swampy area under a highway bridge.

Her decomposed remains were found Tuesday near a cemetery north of Lafayette. Police have said a "credible witness" led them to the spot.

Authorities have not said whether that witness is 33-year-old Brandon Lavergne, a registered sex offender who is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping in Shunick's death. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)