VAN BUREN, Mo. -- An autopsy early last week on a partially decomposed body found by a hunter did not provide the answers Carter County authorities had hoped it would.

The body is of a white female, but who she is and how she died remain unknown.

The autopsy by Dr. Russell Deidiker at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington, Missouri, found "no outward signs of trauma or foul play," said Carter County Sheriff Rick Stephens.

Based on decomposition, it is estimated the body had been in the woods for "anywhere from two to eight weeks, but [officials] can't be sure at this point," Stephens said.

The body had been found in what Stephens described as a "relatively isolated" and heavily wooded area.

Authorities learned of the discovery east of McClain Forest Products, along U.S. 60, last weekend. The hunter reportedly found the body as he walked through the area.

With help from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and its Division of Drug and Crime Control in Troop G, officers investigated the scene and rechecked the area again early last week. Interviews have been conducted.

There is some speculation about the woman's identity, but no identification has been made at this point, Stephens said.

"We're waiting on the toxicology report and still doing a lot of follow-ups with investigators," Stephens said.

Toxicology results typically take a month to six weeks.

With the toxicology report pending, no cause of death has been determined, Stephens said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the sheriff's department at 573-323-4510 or Troop G at 417-469-3121.

Pertinent address:

Van Buren, Mo.