Body found in Des Plaines River ID'd as Chicago woman

Police identified Thursday a Chicago woman whose body was discovered last month floating in the Des Plaines River near DuPage County.

Lisa Clark, 46, of the 6400 block of Carpenter Street, was reported missing April 29.

A passer-by discovered Clark's nude body May 27 in the river in southwest Cook County, near the Willow Springs Road bridge. Her remains were brought to a Downers Grove Township boat launch, which is when DuPage County officials became involved.

Earlier this week, authorities appealed to the public for help with identification. They described the dark-haired woman as standing 5 feet, 7.5 inches tall with a thin build. Of particular note, though, was that she did not have any lower teeth and only had 5 remaining in her upper gum.

Her family contacted authorities after learning of the grisly discovery. Though earlier fingerprint comparisons failed to garner any clues, armed with a possible name and more complete records, police were able to confirm her name.

An autopsy did not reveal how Clark died.

Authorities said there were no obvious signs of foul play, but there is evidence of physical injuries, including to her pelvic bones. At this point, though, it's unclear if the injuries were intentionally inflicted or the result of being exposed to certain elements, such as boat traffic, while in the river.

Sgt. Juan Valenzuela of the Illinois State Police stopped short Thursday of calling it a homicide investigation. The DuPage County state's attorneys office is involved.

"Right now, the matter for us is a death investigation," Valenzuela said.