Second body found in Missouri state park ruled homicide

TROY — Police have determined that a woman whose body was found in a ditch in Cuivre River State Park was the victim of homicide.

The woman's body was discovered at about 4 a.m. Friday by a passerby. Lincoln County officials said she was struck by a vehicle.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Lt. Andy Binder said the St. Louis County Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy and ruled the death a homicide. Sheriff Mike Krigbaum has asked the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis to investigate.

The case squad was already investigating the discovery of another body on Wednesday. That victim was 28-year-old Nicole Tayon of Winfield. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma.

Officials say there is no evidence of a connection between the bodies, which were discovered 10 miles apart.