Information Released On Dead Woman Found Near Murrieta; Police Seek Public's Help

Police are seeking the public’s help in the investigation of a woman who was found dead near the corner of Winchester and Scott roads in the unincorporated area of Winchester Thursday afternoon.

The woman, whose body was discovered by a passing motorist at approximately 1:52 p.m. yesterday, is described as being in her 30s or 40s, caucasian with short reddish hair, approximately 5’3” tall and weighing 200 pounds, said Cpl. Courtney Donowho of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

According to an unnamed witness, the woman was walking in the area prior to being found, Donowho said.

Detectives believe the woman resided in the area, according to a Riverside County Sheriff's Department news release.

The woman’s body was found in weeds in an open field near the northeast corner of Winchester and Scott roads.

"It is has not yet been determined if it was a natural death, an O.D., a homicide or a traffic collision,” Donowho said, noting that a coroner’s report is pending and the woman’s identification has not been determined.

According to the sheriff's news release, the death is "suspicious."

The investigation caused the closure of Highway 79 (Winchester) north between Scott Road and Domenigoni Parkway. Washington was also closed from Winchester to Benton, according to a CHP dispatcher. Traffic was routed west through Menifee on Scott Road, to Interstate 215.

Highway 79/Winchester Road was reopened to through traffic at about 9 p.m., according to Sigalert.com.

Anyone with information about the investigation is encouraged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff's Department/Central Homicide Unit at 760-393-3600.