Decomposed human remains were found in Scurry County, Texas on Saturday, giving rise to speculation that they could be those of missing 13-year-old cheerleader Hailey Dunn.

Hailey’s mother, Billie Dunn, told KWES that she is praying the remains are not her daughter’s. Dunn said investigators told her they plan to use dental records to try to make a quick identification.

Texas Department of Public Safety Press Secretary Tom Vinger told HLN the age and gender of the remains could not be determined due to the state of decomposition. Vinger said several law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Rangers and the FBI, were at the scene until Tuesday assisting with the search and recovery process.

Katherine Chaumont of the Dallas FBI field office said an evidence response team was sent out on Sunday and Monday at the request of the Texas Rangers.

DPS Senior Trooper Sparky Dean told KTXS the remains were not intact and were found in a thorn- and cactus-filled area that could only be reached on foot.

The remains were discovered Saturday afternoon near Lake J.B. Thomas, which is about 12 miles from Snyder, Texas. The lake is about 30 miles from Colorado City, where Hailey was last seen alive at her mother’s home on December 27, 2010.

Dean told KTXS that investigators wanted to gather all of the remains before sending them to a medical examiner in Lubbock or Fort Worth for an autopsy.

KOSA reported that members of Hailey Dunn’s family were traveling to Snyder after learning of the discovery.

Meanwhile, supporters of the family and those who have assisted with the search for Hailey over the last two years are asking for prayers and patience.

“Extra prayers please as we all wait for answers. May God wrap his loving arms around Hailey and her family. Thank you all,” a statement posted on the Hope for Hailey Facebook page Sunday said.