Search may be over for Natalie Deblase

MOBILE, Ala. - The search for Natalie Deblase may have come to an end on Saturday.

Nineteen agencies turned out in Citronelle Saturday. After 30 minutes, searchers found what they believe to be the body of the missing 5-year-old girl.

The search began about two weeks ago when John Deblase was arrested. According to police, he confessed to burying his two children, 3-year-old Jonathon Chase and 5-year-old Natalie.

He helped to lead them in the right direction for their search.

Wednesday, police found what they believe are the remains of Jonathan Chase in Vancleave Mississippi. According to Major Rose of the Mobile Police Department, their search in Citronelle Saturday was a success.

"We've been here in Citronelle a week or so ago and did a preliminary search to try and find Natalie and today we had a consorted effort of volunteers to do a line search and that's what it takes, it took to find Natalie," said Rose.

The first search team went into the woods off of Beverly Jefferies Highway around 8:30am. A little after 9 am they found the remains.
Police used chainsaws, machetes and anything they could find to clear away the bushes.

The crime scene investigation team came in after the area was clear. They set up lights, tents and other tools to closely examine the scene.

"At this point the most important thing is evidence recovery so that this case can move forward through the court system," said Rose.

Police searched the area around the remains, looking for any clue to link the people responsible to the Death of Natalie Deblase.

"I would be remise if I said that these officers, that this is just another case because its not. It involves children but the most important thing is that we stay focused on the mission," said Rose.

The scene is just 10 yards away from the road, and less than a football field away from Ursela Knight's home. She is disturbed by what has happened in her backyard, but is thankful the children have been found.

"I was saying look at those cute kids. That handsome little boy and the prettiest little girl to have to be discovered like that," said Knight.

Police believe Natalie was killed on March 4 and left in Citronelle soon after. They say, Jonathan Chase was not killed until June.

Police will not make an official confirmation that the remains are Natalie DeBlase's until forensic testing is done.

The children's stepmother, who police say is also responsible for their deaths, is expected to be in Mobile on Sunday.