Suspect Held; Linda Valez Stabbed Dozens of Times

Update: 12:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2013:

A law enforcement source told the Daily Herald on Monday that the woman whose body was found buried in a shallow grave Saturday afternoon in a Glen Ellyn park had been stabbed dozens of times.

The Daily Herald reports that authorities have taken one man into custody in the death of Linda Valez, 33, of Wheaton, who went missing Sept. 24.

The law enforcement source told the Daily Herald that no charges have been filed. Valez knew the suspect, and police have video of the two leaving a McDonald’s not long before Valez was reported missing, the source told the paper. Later, the suspect was seen at the park where Valez’s body was found.

10:33 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013:

Glen Ellyn police announced Sunday night that the body of a Wheaton woman missing since Sept. 24 was discovered in Panfish Park late Saturday afternoon.

The deceased, Linda Valez, 33, was found buried in a clearing in a wooded area of the park, which is located off of Park Boulevard just south of Roosevelt Road.

"The victim showed obvious signs of trauma," according to a press release from Glen Ellyn Police. 

"(T)here is no evidence to suggest there is a threat to the public," according to the release. 

Glen Ellyn police had been patrolling the parks and wooded areas in the village searching for Valez all day Saturday. 

"While on a foot patrol in Panfish Park, a police officer discovered some locations he determined to be suspicious," according to the press release. "His observations were based upon the foot traffic and activity that appeared to have occurred in this forested area of the park."

The DuPage County Sheriff's Office evidence team and the Wheaton police were called to assist in the investigation. DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force, which includes investigators from agencies throughout DuPage County, also was activated.

No further information was available Sunday night.

This article will be updated.