Remains of missing woman found in forest preserve near Des Plaines

A missing St. Louis-area woman’s remains were found Thursday in a forest preserve just east of Des Plaines, nearly a week after her ex-boyfriend was charged with her murder.

Illinois State Police searching for 29-year-old Marquisha Williams’ body made the discovery in Camp Ground Road Woods, authorities said. The preserve is on the south side of Algonquin Road, east of South River Road.

An autopsy revealed Williams was strangled, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said Friday.

Williams was reported missing by her family Dec. 20, according to a news release from St. Louis County police. A warrant was issued Dec. 23 for 31-year-old Trenton Ivy of St. Louis, charging him with first-degree murder.

Ivy was arrested Dec. 22 in Racine, Wisconsin, on unrelated charges. He had been driving Williams’ 2020 Jeep Compass, police said. Blood, personal items belonging to Williams and other evidence were found in the Jeep, police said.

Ivy subsequently admitted to killing Williams and getting rid of her body, police said.

Illinois State Police searched the preserve based on tips provided to St. Louis County police, authorities said. Police didn’t say where in the preserve the remains were found.

Ivy is being held in Wisconsin pending extradition to Missouri.