Skull found in Alberta was 2nd missing teen's

A second skull discovered last month near Grande Prairie, Alta., has been identified as that of a 16-year-old from northernBritish Columbiawho has been missing since setting out to hitchhike in 2005 with a friend, whose skull was also found.

Police said the remains of 16-year-old Krystle Ann Julie Knott of Dawson Creek, B.C.,were identified through DNA testing.

Last week the Edmonton Medical Examiner's Office identified the remainsof Rene Lynn Gunning, 19, of Fort St. John, B.C., using dental records.

Knottand Gunning were last seen together onFeb. 18, 2005, at West Edmonton Mall.

"I feel pretty upset. Pretty sad news," said Knott's aunt, Doris Goulet, who heard from police Thursday night.

"She was a beautiful girl," she said,flipping through a friendshipbook from Knott's Grade4 year. The book, signed by her teachers andclassmates, praises Knott's smile, kindness and willingness to help others. Goulet, who helped raise Knott,said the young girl had a difficult life.

Knottand Gunning, bothaboriginal, had told friends they were going to hitchhike home together to Dawson Creek or Fort St. John.

Their remains were found togetherby campers on May 21.

The deaths are considered suspicious and the investigationis being led by Project KARE, which examines cases of murdered or missing persons in Alberta whotake part in high-risk behaviour such as hitchhiking.