Cops probe death of Mackinaw woman

PEKIN -- The Tazewell County state's attorney says a criminal investigation is under way into the death of a 30-year-old Mackinaw woman.

Prosecutor Stu Umholtz says the body found by railroad workers near Hartsburg on Monday has been identified as MeLisa (meh-LEE'-sah) Cleary. Logan County Coroner Robert Thomas says the body showed obvious signs of trauma.

Cleary had been missing since Friday afternoon. Family members say they found her vehicle a couple of miles from her home along Route 9.

Her estranged husband took the couple's three children on Monday, but authorities found them Tuesday at a Peoria motel. Umholtz says the children are now in the custody of a relative.

Umholtz says no one has been taken into custody.