Police believe the body had been in the ditch along the dead-end road for several days. People in the area had noticed a strange smell, but nothing more, until someone at a truck storage yard saw a body in the water logged ditch.
"We don't have any information on the approximate age at this time, or race due to the nature of the body in its present state," said Sgt. David Giannavola with the Houston Police Department homicide division.
She appeared partially nude, but that could be from up to five days in the elements. A piece of plastic was found nearby, but it's not known if that was used to wrap the body in or was simply trash already there.
For now, it's all a mystery that drew people out from the neighborhood, and sadly, a woman afraid it might have been her missing daughter.
Police told her the body appeared to have breast implants, which her daughter doesn't have. She was relieved, but those who live nearby are afraid.
"It's dangerous," said Lena Ainsworth, who lives nearby. "We have a lot of kids in our apartments. There are kids that walk down to the school, so Chavez is ten minutes walking distance. My sister walks through here every day to go to school."
For now, no women plan to be walking alone.
An autopsy will be conducted Sunday. That may give investigators a better idea of how the woman died and possibly, who she is.
If you know anything about this case, you're asked to call Crime Stoppers. The number is 713-222-TIPS.
