The woman whose decomposed body was found near a farm off Airport Road in July has been identified as Maria Edna Clarin, 48, of Afetna, according to the Department of Public Safety.
DPS public information officer Fred Sato said Tuesday that investigators confirmed Clarin’s identity after verifying Crime Stoppers tips and conducting multiple interviews. A family member later identified her, ending the two‑month effort to determine who the woman was.
Clarin’s body was discovered at about 9:47 a.m. July 20 by a resident searching for a missing cow along the western boundary of his family’s compound. The resident noticed a fresh trail through tall grass and followed it into a jungle area between two neighboring properties, where he found what appeared to be a deceased person and immediately contacted authorities.
An autopsy conducted by Dr. Philip Dauterman found no evidence of foul play, according to DPS.
Investigators said there were no defensive wounds, no physical trauma, and no ligature marks around the neck. Toxicology tests were also negative. Because of the condition of the remains, the cause and manner of death remain undetermined.
DPS said the investigation is continuing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
