Two bodies found in a wooded area could be the missing Iowa cousins, law enforcement confirmed at a press conference Wednesday.

Eight-year-old Elizabeth Collins and 10-year-old Lyric Cook were last seen by their grandmother on July 13 when they asked to go for a short bike ride. Their bikes were found a few miles away near Meyers Lake in Evansdale, Iowa, about four hours later, along with a purse belonging to Elizabeth.

At 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, law enforcement says they were notified by hunters that they found two bodies in a wooded area.

The bodies were transported to the medical examiners office in Ankeny for positive identification, authorities said.

Police say Elizabeth and Lyric’s families have been notified of the discovery.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and asked anyone with information to call the tipline at 1-855-300-TIPS.

“Obviously this is not the outcome we wanted,” police said at the press conference, adding that investigators have been working around the clock and this was difficult for them and the community. 

“The family wishes to extend gratitude to the public for their support, and at this time they ask for their privacy,” officials said.

Investigators say they will hold a new conference tomorrow at 4 p.m. CT to provide an update on the new developments in the case.