Human remains found earlier this year in Burlington County have been identified as a woman who went missing nearly three years ago, according to New Jersey State Police.

Police said the remains are those of Denice Smith, who was 51 when she was reported missing after walking away from her Woodland Township residence on Oct. 9, 2023.

On April 12, a search by the Burlington County Search and Rescue Volunteer Team led to the discovery of human remains near Laurel Lane and Cedar Lane in Woodland Township, police said.

State police conducted multiple search-and-rescue operations in the days after Smith was reported missing but found no sign of her. Detectives with the Missing Persons Unit and Troop C continued investigating the case, following up on tips and conducting additional searches.

Forensic comparisons by the State Police Forensic Anthropology Unit were reviewed by the Burlington County Medical Examiner's Office in August, confirming the remains belonged to Smith.

State police did not provide information about Smith's cause or manner of death in Tuesday's announcement.