Although investigators have yet to say definitively, the family of missing University of Florida student Christian Aguilar said the remains found Friday are their son.
The 18-year-old has not been seen since late September.
After all the anxiety and all the man hours of searching, the Aguilar family feels like they're one step closer to peace.
"We, as a family, believe that Christian has been found,” said Carlos Aguilar, Christian’s father. “But, we will wait until the authorities confirm it."
They took the podium Saturday at UF for a brief press conference.
Gainesville police officers were there in support, but didn't answer any questions.
Aguilar delivered a message in both English and Spanish, while his wife clung to his side and broke down with emotion.
"Our family is going to be grieving," Aguilar said.
The break in the case came Friday afternoon in Levy County.
Hunters stumbled upon remains at the Gulf Hammock Hunting Club and called police.
Gainesville detectives assisted, and after a short time, alerted the Aguilar family.
Positive identification of the remains cannot be made until forensic processing is complete, but they wanted them to know just in case.
It was the news family and friends feared, but expected as time went on.
They thanked everyone who's worked day and night to find Christian alive, despite the odds.
For now in the short term, they'll look ahead and heal the best way possible.
"If it wasn't for the prayer, if it wasn't for the support, if it wasn't for the angels that came through, and that they care about my family and they care about a missing student that is now part of this society," Aguilar said.
Christian was last seen at a store with high school friend Pedro Bravo.
Bravo previously said the two had a fight and he left the 18-year-old in a parking lot.
He's been charged with first-degree murder.
Again, there has been no confirmation on the identity of these remains.