Forensic analysts have identified the human remains found in a Sawyer County forest this weekend.

The Taylor County Sheriff's Department says the remains are those of Jean Viken, the Taylor County woman who's been missing since January.

Forensic analysts say a gunshot wound likely killed the 38-year-old Viken. The Taylor County Medical Examiner, Scott Perrin, says the mother of four had more than one gunshot wound -- and was shot at least once in the chest.

Jean's sister-in-law, Lori Viken, hadn't heard about the break in this case until we called her Monday morning. The news left her in shock.

"To me it's kinda' scary and it's sad," Lori said. "I just don't see anybody doing harm to her."

The Taylor County Sheriff's Department says a pair of anglers found Viken's remains in the Flambeau River State Forest northeast of Hawkins this weekend. Now, Sheriff Bruce Daniels says a number of agencies are investigating her death as a homicide.

"I feel really bad for the kids. My nieces and nephews," Lori said.

The Sheriff says Viken's four children are currently living with their father, Duane Viken. Although Lori says it will be hard to forget the person she calls a good mother.

"At least now they can, they'll have closure, but with little kids, you know, that's gonna' be hard for them to handle."

We did try to contact Duane Viken on Monday, but were unsuccessful.

Sheriff Daniels says crime scene specialists also found and collected a number of items of forensic value -- both at the scene and during the autopsy. He says experts are doing some forensic analysis of those items right now.

Right now, Sheriff Daniels says there are several persons of interest in this case, although deputies haven't made any arrests.

Stay with NewsCenter 13 for updates on this developing story.