Still No Cause Of Death For 12-Year-Old Talaija Dorsey

Authorities in St. James Parish say a cause of death hasn't been determined for 12-year-old Talaija Dorsey. Sheriff Willy Martin says he spoke with the coroner after the autopsy.

"But we're at the point now where we know we're working a homicide," said Martin. "If we don't find out how she died we still feel we have a strong case against this individual."

Forty-two-year-old John Celestine is charged with murder in the death of Dorsey.

Martin says he's requesting more testing be done, and the investigation is ongoing. Dorsey was found in a cane field near a wooded area in Vacherie five days after she was reported missing July 1.

Martin says the little girl had been lying out there for a long time before he found her.

"There are a lot of issues with the body," said Martin. "It's just a difficult task."