Authorities Identify Remains Found in the Woods

Authorities in southeast Missouri say remains found by a hunter three weeks ago are those of a 64-year-old woman.

The Poplar Bluff Daily American Republic reports that Carter County Coroner Erik McSpadden identified the woman as Susan Hamric of rural Van Buren. She lived near the area where her body was found.

Carter County Sheriff Rick Stephens says the body was in a heavily wooded and isolated area. The hunter discovered the remains as he walked through the area on Nov. 23.

The cause of death is not known, but Stephens says there were no outward signs of trauma or foul play. Stephens says that based on the amount of decomposition, the body had been there 2-8 weeks.