WEST WENDOVER, Nev. — Police say they have called off their search for a missing teenager after the discovery of what appears to be a shallow grave.

Human remains were found about five miles west of West Wendover at about 10:30 a.m., although police did not immediately disclose the exact location.

Micaela "Mickey" Costanzo, 16, was last seen leaving school Thursday at 5:15 p.m. She lives with her mother in an apartment just a few blocks away. West Wendover Police Sgt. David Wiskerchen said police have no way of determining yet whether the body is hers.

Police did confirm Saturday that Micaela's mother had been to the grave.

Late Saturday, Micaela's family released a very brief statement saying that they were waiting for confirmation on the ID of the body and that for now, asked that people keep them in their prayers.

West Wendover Police Chief Ron Supp informed a group of about 200 searchers shortly before noon of the discovery and told them their efforts would be suspended.

Friends Saturday said Costanzo is a good student at school and well liked.

"When things are bad, she always has something good to say to you. She always makes you feel good about everything," said Heidi Thompson, a junior at West Wendover High School.

The Elko County Sheriff's Office has taken over the investigation. In a brief statement released Saturday night, the sheriff's office said the possible grave site was found outside the city limits of West Wendover and the Washoe County Forensic Crime Scene Unit would be assisting with the investigation.

"If it turns out to be something other than what we think it is, we'll put the word back out and go from there," Police Chief Ron Supp said.

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"We have not terminated the search efforts. We have suspended them to allow teams to get in there and take a look at what's been discovered and to make an assessment from there," said Wiskerchen.

Saturday, the high school was opened to students and staff until 10 p.m.

"It's very solemn," said high school counselor Anne Crawford. "There's lots of tears and there's a lot of people very scared or nervous."

e-mail: pkoepp@desnews.com; hollenhorst@desnews.com Twitter: pbkdn

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