Body found in South Keys identified as missing woman

Police saida body found in a ditch near the parking lot ofthe South Keys Shopping Centre on Sunday is that of 28-year-old Melissa Richmond.

Ontario Provincial Police and Ottawa police major crimes investigatorswere at the scene throughout the day Sunday after the body was foundat about 9 a.m.

• Police find body near South Keys mall
• North Dundas woman missing since Wednesday

Police had discovered the body in a ditch between the Kelsey's restaurant, located in the South Keysshopping centreparking lot, and Bank Street. The death was treated as suspicious and an autopsy was performed on Monday.

A police source told CBC Newsthat there were signs of trauma.

Police saidRichmondisOttawa'sseventh homicide victim ofthe year. Police have notdetermined if she was killed where she was found.

Police also do not know if Richmondknew her attacker. Police said there is no information about a possible suspect at this time.

The body was also found very close to where police found a vehicle Friday belonging to Richmond.

Richmond had been last seen Wednesday leaving her home in a beige 2004 Chrysler Sebring, with the personalized licence plate RPGGIRL.

She was a dental hygienist,married for eight years to a Canadian soldier named Howard Richmond. She told her husband she was going for a late night drive at approximately 11:30 p.m.

Her vehicle was found by a Denny's Restaurantemployee Friday night whosaw her backpack and purse still in the car.

Anyone with information regarding thesuspicious deathinvestigation is urged to call 613-236-1222 ext. 5493.