Second body found in Des Plaines River
One week after human remains washed up on the shore of the Des Plaines River, sparking speculation they could be those of missing Will County women Stacy Peterson or Lisa Stebic, another grisly discovery was made farther north.
The latter investigation garnered far less media attention but, weeks later, authorities still are trying to identify the woman.
A passer-by discovered the nude female body May 27 floating in the Des Plaines River in southwest Cook County, near the Willow Springs Road bridge.
The remains were brought back to a Downers Grove Township boat launch, which is when DuPage County officials became involved.
DuPage Coroner Pete Siekmann said the woman has black hair and is estimated to be in her mid-30s, standing 5 feet, 7.5 inches tall and weighing 121 to 135 pounds.
She did not have any lower teeth and only 5 remained in her upper gum. It's unknown if she normally wore dentures or a dental bridge, as neither were found. Her race, possibly black, isn't known for certain. There were no distinct tattoos, either.
Dr. Jeff Harkey, a forensic pathologist, conducted an autopsy, but the results still are pending toxicology and other microscopic tests.
Siekmann said there were no obvious signs of foul play, such as gunshot wound, or the use of restraints.
There were some physical injuries, including to her pelvic bones, but authorities said it is possible that happened in the debris-filled river, known for its changing currents and filled with boat traffic, logs, roots, fish and wildlife.
"We know very little about her," Siekmann said. "It's very frustrating. We don't even have a cause of death. It could be criminal in nature, but we just don't know at this point."
In the earlier case, a cleanup crew May 20 found a partial body along the Des Plaines River near Channahon just west of I-55.
Authorities later identified the remains as that of a male, dashing the hopes of both missing Will County women's families that they finally found their loved ones.
Siekmann ruled out any connection to Peterson or Stebic, both of whom have been missing since 2007. In this case, given the condition of the body, the time of death is estimated to be days to weeks - though even that may be speculative, as water temperatures play a role.
There is some good news.
Authorities were able to get fingerprint and DNA evidence from the woman's remains. The Illinois State Police also send out alerts to other law enforcement agencies with missing persons investigations. Police had a couple inquiries but, so far, they have been unable to find a match.
"Right now, we're kind of striking out," Siekmann said.
Anyone with information about the woman's identity is urged to contact Illinois State Police at (847) 608-3212.