LAWRENCE COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials said Mississippi State University’s (MSU) Forensic Recovery Unit worked on the case of a missing Kansas woman whose body was recovered on July 14 from a shallow grave in Lawrence County.

“Cases like this are always very difficult, but this is what we do—use our archaeological expertise in crime scene investigation to serve families who need closure, assist law enforcement with recovery and identification of human remains, and give back to our communities and state through our service and specialization,” said Jimmy Hardin, director of MSU’s Cobb Institute of Archaeology.

Hardin said the university’s Forensic Recovery Unit is a collaborative entity involving the MSU Police Department and faculty researchers affiliated with both the Cobb Institute and Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures.

MSU also assists with geophysical technics to investigate ground disturbances, including ground-penetrating radar and magnetic gradiometers. The Mississippi Chemical Laboratory and several units have the capabilities to process and analyze materials for Mississippi law enforcement.

Authorities said a body believed to be that of La’Datra Williams was discovered in Lawrence County on July 14. They said Charles Matthew Sims, who is in custody, led them to the location of her body.

According to authorities, Williams was one of several women romantically involved with Sims. He’s believed to have four to five partners and is the father of at least 22 children.

There are claims that Sims may be leading a secluded group with some sources referring to it as a cult. Everette said Sims’ property has compound-like features, but he stopped short of labeling it.

“I can’t say that it is, or I can’t say that it’s not all. I can say he would call them wives, but I did verify with him this morning that none of them he has no legal union. No legal marriages,” the sheriff said.

Sims has been charged with first-degree murder and felony vehicle theft.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for the funeral expenses for Williams.