In a news release, the Marion County Coroner's Office said that the skull, which was found July 8, has characteristics consistent with those of an east or southeast Asian man.

The Spierer family had been anxiously awaiting results from forensic anthropologist.

"In the days ahead, a family will have answers they have been desperately seeking. Will it be ours?" they posted in a public letter. "When will you end this nightmare for our family? We will never give up. We are just as determined as we were on June 3, 2011. You need to know that. It's our promise to you."

Spierer, 20, was last seen walking back to her apartment in Bloomington early on June 3, 2011, after a night of partying with friends.

NewsOnLaurenS, a Twitter feed dedicated to maintaining awareness about Spierer's case, tweeted in reaction to the skull announcement.

"So hard to know how to feel," the tweet read. "Wish the nightmare would end."