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Body Found in Moreno Valley Could Be That of Missing Teen [UPDATED]
Norma Lopez (The Riverside Sheriff's Department)
A body found yesterday in a remote farming area of Riverside could be that of missing Moreno Valley teen Norma Lopez, however authorities have not been able to immediately determine the body's identity, reports LA Now. 17-year-old Norma Lopez was reported missing last Thursday afternoon, when she did not return as expected from summer school classes at Valley View High School.
The body, described as being in "various stages of decomposition," was found approximately 2.5 miles from the school. Though left in an area obscured by brush and trees, the body "had not been buried or covered."
Her family has been told that there is a possibility the body found yesterday could be that of Norma, but Riverside County authorities say the body "was so decomposed that they were unable to determine its sex," let alone if it was Norma. An autopsy and DNA test are scheduled for this morning.
Regardless of the identity of the corpse, authorities say they are treating this case as a homicide.
UPDATED 2:08 PM: Officials have confirmed that the body is that of Norma Lopez. Read the story here.