CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Authorities investigating the disappearance of a University of Virginia student are searching a rural area where human remains were discovered.

Investigators also interviewed residents in the area Sunday, and forensic teams combed the sides of a road for several miles past the site.

It was not immediately known what they were looking for.

Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo told a news conference on Saturday that human remains were found on an abandoned property in southern Albemarle County, south of Charlottesville.

He said authorities have not yet confirmed they are those of University of Virginia sophomore Hannah Graham, but have notified Grahams' parents of the discovery.

The area is heavily wooded and sparsely populated.

Graham disappeared on Sept. 13.

Jesse Leroy Matthew has been charged with abduction with intent to defile Graham.