Divers Back At Sunrise Canal In Search Of Clues In 1978 Case

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SUNRISE (CBSMiami) - Divers with the Broward Sheriff's Office were back in the waters of a Sunrise canal Tuesday morning searching for clues in a decades old disappearance.

They pulled out several bags filled with potential evidence.

Last week, work crews accidentally discovered a 1969 Dodge Coronet just North of State Road 84 between 136th Avenue and Markham Park. It was registered to Harry Atchison.

Atchison and his girlfriend, 15-year old Dana Null, have been missing for 36 years.

Divers searched the waters surrounding the car and discovered human remains which have been sent to the county's Medical Examiner.

According to missing persons reports, Null and Atchison, 19, attended a concert by Foreigner at the Hollywood Sportatorium on October 7, 1978. Those missing persons reports reveal that after arriving at Atchison's home, the couple apparently got into an argument and drove off in Atchison's 1969 orange Dodge Coronet, never to be seen again.

Paul Cacciatore, Null's uncle, said the discovery of the car is another clue in this agonizing mystery.

"Our hopes were they possibly ran away and would come back one day, maybe had a couple kids, that type of thing," said Cacciatore.

CLICK HERE to watch Ted Scouten's report

When asked if there was some relief that the car was found, Cacciatore said "Yes. At least I know something happened here."

READ: BSO: Car Pulled From Canal Connected To 1978 Missing Person's Case

Cacciatore said he hopes the discovery of the car and remains brings closure.

"I want to know that it is them," he said, "It's been 36 years, a lot could have happened back then. Until they verify the DNA it just won't be closure yet."

Searchers plan to return Wednesday morning.  The medical examiner's officer is analyzing the bones.  They will use DNA to confirm the identity.

READ: Remains Found In Car Connected To 1978 Missing Teens Case