UPDATE Feb. 13 at 1 p.m.: The human remains located on Feb. 10 in the Cedar Cove area, during the multi agency search operation, have been positively identified as those of Mark A. Tippett, who was reported missing on Sept. 4, 2006.

The BCI investigation into his death continues.

Today after more than two years, the saga of Mark Tippett may have finally come to an end. Today, Feb.10, a task force of law enforcement personnel may have ended a search that began on Sept. 4, 2006.

The effort culminated today with the discovery of human remains in the Cedar Cove area of Lexington Park. St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigation with the assistance of the Maryland State Police Special Operations Division,

Mark Tippett

Search and Rescue Management Unit conducted the search operation.

Over all there were 67 people from the following agencies assisted in the operation: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Southern Maryland Intelligence Center, Department of Natural Resources Police, Southern Maryland Information Center, St. Mary’s County States Attorney’s Office, Maryland Department of Corrections, Mid-Atlantic Search & Rescue Dogs, Southern Maryland Search & Rescue, 7th District Optimist Club

After a morning long search, the operation lead to the discovery of human remains located in a wooded area.

However, these remains have yet to be identified and until it is confirmed that the remains are indeed those of Mark Tippett, BCI detectives are continuing their investigation.