Woman’s body found in snowy rural area in Northern Michigan

Police believe it could be missing woman

Leelanau County Sheriff's Office said they believe the victim may have been related to a missing person investigation that was being investigated by the Traverse City Police Department. (Leelanau County Sheriff's Office)

MAPLE CITY, Mich. (AP) – A woman’s body was dragged over a snowy hill and left in a rural area in northern Michigan, police said.

Leelanau County Sheriff Mike Borkovich said investigators are treating it as a homicide. Authorities were called Wednesday after a caller wondered if the drag marks might have been caused by someone dumping a dead deer or trash in the Maple City area, northwest of Traverse City.

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An autopsy is set for Thursday. The woman appeared to be over 50 years old.

“Someone tried to dispose of or hide a body,” said Borkovich, who added there were obvious signs of trauma.

Traverse City police said it could be a resident who was last seen Tuesday night.

Benzie County Sheriff Ted Schendel said he doesn’t believe it’s Adrienne Quintal, a Detroit-area woman who is missing from a family cabin in Honor.

Borkovich is urging people in the area to be cautious.

“I think it’s important that people stay alert, stay vigilant, pay attention to cars, traffic, different people in the area or different behavior by people,” he said.