Scott County coroner: Woman was dead before fire started

BENTON, Mo. -- A woman found dead in a burning Scott County car last week had already breathed her last breath when the fire started, Scott County's coroner said Monday.

Scott County Coroner Scott Amick said carbon monoxide levels determined the woman, whose body firefighters found in a burning car in a corn field Wednesday, was not breathing when the fire started. He also discounted reports of the body being dismembered.

"She was not dismembered; she was in a fire," said Amick, who explained limbs may become detached because of damage after being burned to the extent the victim was.

The woman's body was found Wednesday night in a burning car in a corn field off County Road 323, near Scott City and Kelso, Mo., but the find didn't become public until Friday.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said Monday he's confident authorities know the woman's identity, but they're waiting for DNA confirmation before making a positive identification.

Walter said family members -- he believes the dead woman is a local -- planned a memorial service Monday. But Walter asked them to hold off on a funeral until he's absolutely sure of her identity.

No charges had been filed late Monday, but Walter said investigators were talking to several people, and following several leads. He said last week he doesn't feel there's anyone in danger from any potential suspect.

Since the gruesome discovery became public Friday, Walter has classified the find as a homicide, not yet terming what led to the death a murder.

The body was so badly burned that dental records couldn't be used for identification, so DNA samples were taken and compared to family members, some of whom lived in another state several hours away.

Walter said Monday authorities were still trying to determine the cause of death. Amick said a large amount of evidence was lost because of the fire but he is hoping a cause of death still will be determined. Amick said DNA test results should be back this week.

Multiple jurisdictions are working on the case, including the SEMO Major Case Squad, state fire marshal and the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

skluesner@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

County Road 323, Scott City, MO

Benton, MO