An autopsy has confirmed that human remains found in Newburgh last month are those of 4-year-old Marc Bookal. The medical examiner has ruled his death a result of homicidal violence.

Bookal went missing on Dec. 14, 2009 while in the care of his mother's boyfriend and ex-con, Cory Bird.

State police resumed ground searches in March after warm weather helped thaw snow that had previously covered searchable areas.

There have been no charges filed in Bookal's disappearance. Newburgh police tell News 12 that the investigation into his death is ongoing and that they are awaiting the results of further testing on evidence from the crime scene.