AUTHORITIES IDENTIFY BODY FOUND IN RIVER

CAIRO, Ill. -- A body that was found in the Mississippi River near Thebes in May was identified on Wednesday as that of a St. Louis man, authorities said.

Alexander County Coroner David W. Barkett said the body was identified through forensic dental records as that of Eric D. Murphy, 28, who had been missing since May 13.

Barkett said a coroner's jury will be empanelled and an inquest will be held. He said he did not know when the inquest will be scheduled.

The body was found May 31. An autopsy performed June 1 by Dr. Miles Jones showed the man drowned, Barkett said.

Barkett said his office is investigating circumstances surrounding Murphy's death.