Crime & Safety

Howard County Police Investigate Body (Updated Dec. 9)

Police believe it may belong to a woman reported missing several weeks ago.

Police have identified the body of a woman found Sunday in the woods off of the 9000 block of U.S. Route 1 in Laurel.

According to Howard County police, a man called 911 around 4 p.m. to report that he had seen the body while walking in the woods.

Officials Monday said the body was identified as Staci Marie Watkins, 49, of no fixed address.  

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Police said in a statement that no foul play is suspected; the cause and manner of death are pending autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.

 

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

This story has been updated to include the identity of the woman found.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.