A tragic story is unfolding in the sands of New Mexico, a story that has a Myrtle Beach connection.

This week police unearthed an 11th body outside Albuquerque. Their search began a few weeks ago, when a hiker found a human bone in the dirt.

The victims are believed to be among 16 women who disappeared between 2001 and 2006.

The latest to be identified is Michelle Valdez, who was pregnant when she died. Police count her fetus among the victims.

Valdez's mother and sister live in Horry County. They've spent the past four years wondering what happened to her.

Now they know.

Both women spoke exclusively with NewsChannel 15 Friday.

They said they're devastated by the news, but also have a sense of relief that they finally know what happened to Michelle.

But now an even more difficult chapter begins: trying to find out who killed her.

Michelle's mother, Karen Jackson felt in her heart for years that her daughter was dead. There was always the agony of never knowing for sure.

"When I found out that they were digging up the bones and stuff out there I just prayed, Lord, if she is dead, please let them find her," Jackson said.

Jackson said drugs took over her daughter's life.

She hates that now, the only thing people say about Michelle and the other victims is that they were all involved in drugs and prostitution.

Jackson wants people to know the happy, fun-loving Michelle.

"Brightened up the room with her bubbly personality, I mean she always was willing to help somebody."

Jackson said for years, she pushed Albuquerque police to find her missing daughter, but they simply dropped the ball.

"They blew it off. I just kept hearing, well, until we have a body, until we have a body. I just felt like you're not going to have a body if you don't go out here and talk to these people," Jackson said.

Michelle's sister Kendra Bowen, who lives in Conway, said there is some relief in finally knowing what happened to Michelle, but now the real hurt begins.

"The real thoughts of knowing that she was thrown out somewhere in dirt, surrounded by other females like she was a piece of trash," Bowen said.

Both mother and sister say they just hope police can find the killer and bring him to justice.

In the meantime, Jackson said, she'll take it one day at a time and pray.

"Through the strength of the Lord and my friends and my church I've been able to walk through it as best I could."

Kendra Bowen said she and her mother can't afford to travel to Albuquerque for her sister's funeral. She wants to start an account where people can donate funds to help her family get out there.

As soon as the fund is established, NewsChannel 15 will pass along information to you.

Albuquerque police think one person is responsible for burying all the bodies but have not named a suspect.

You can contribue to the family, to help them get to New Mexico for Michelle's funreal through a bank account that was set up.

It's called the Michelle Valdez Contribution Account. 

The account can be accessed through any Bank of America in Myrtle Beach.