Investigation continues into woman's death

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — An autopsy is underway to determine the cause of death of a woman whose decomposed body was discovered Tuesday evening.

Authorities have identified the victim as Crystal Ramirez, 37.

According to a spokesman with the New Madrid County Coroner’s office, Portageville police officers found Ramirez’s body in a house on Lesieur Street about 6 p.m. Tuesday. Authorities estimated the body had been there for about a week; due to the decomposition, however, they could not determine the cause of death.

New Madrid County Coroner George DeLisle took the body to Farmington, Missouri, for an autopsy Wednesday.

Family members reportedly said Ramirez was last seen about a week ago. Her boyfriend had contacted Portageville police Sunday about the woman being missing.

Officers with the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol are assisting Portageville police in the investigation.

Pertinent address:

Portageville, Mo.