Remains found in Arkansas confirmed to be Maleah Davis

TIMELINE: See how the events surrounding the disappearance of 4-year-old Maleah Davis unfolded >>> TIMELINE: See how the events surrounding the disappearance of 4-year-old Maleah Davis unfolded >>> Photo: Houston Police Department Photo: Houston Police Department Image 1 of / 47 Caption Close Remains found in Arkansas confirmed to be Maleah Davis 1 / 47 Back to Gallery

Harris County medical examiners confirmed the identity of a body found last week in Arkansas is that of missing 4-year-old Maleah Davis.

The child's cause and manner of death are still pending, according to Michele Arnold, a spokeswoman for the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. There is no timetable for when that information will be released, Arnold said.

"Each case is special, so when cause and manner is determined it will show up on our website just like any other case," Arnold said.

The remains were found Friday scattered along Interstate 30 in Fulton, Ark., after her mother's ex-boyfriend reportedly confessed to dumping the child's body there, according to police.

INVESTIGATION: What's next for the Maleah Davis case?

Authorities brought the body to Houston.

"We are all saddened by the confirmation of the identification of the remains brought home to Houston by members of the Houston Police Department as Maleah Davis," Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said. "However, we are heartened by the fact this sweet child can now receive the proper burial she deserved and that those who knew and loved her most desired."

Derion Vence, who initially claimed the child was kidnapped on May 3, remains in Harris County Jail on a charge of tampering with a corpse in connection with the child's disappearance. He is being held on a $45,000 bond.

Vence reportedly confessed to the killing when Houston activist Quanell X visited him in jail on Friday. He said "it was an accident" without indicating how the girl may have died.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office is looking to file additional charges, spokesman Dane Schiller said.

"Prosecutors continue their review and are working with Houston Police," he said in a text. "Additional charges would be filed as the evidence supports doing so. We remain focused on finding the truth and delivering justice for Maleah."

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text HOUSTON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.