Initial forensic tests have confirmed that human remains found in Pakistan are those of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, CNN reported on Saturday.
Citing US State Department sources, the network reported that one final genetic test would be conducted to confirm the results.
Early on Friday, Pakistani authorities said they had found the decapitated body in a blood-stained hut in Karachi. A video of Pearl being beheaded was sent to the US consulate in Karachi in February after the reporter went missing on January 23 while investigating Islamic militancy in the turbulent southern city.
A police source said the body had been dug up from a grave four to five feet deep in a room of a roughly-built hut which ”resembles closely what was shown on the pictures sent by e-mails showing Pearl in captivity”.
Four people are currently on trial for his murder, accused of sending e-mails showing the reporter in captivity as well as sending the videotape of his killing to the consulate.
The accused deny charges of murder, kidnapping and terrorist activities. If convicted they could be executed. Another seven suspects are still at large. – Sapa-AFP