Sheriff's Department Investigating Suspicious Death in Mission Viejo

MISSION VIEJO, CA — The body of a 76-year-old woman found in bushes behind a Mission Viejo bank Thursday has prompted an homicide investigation. Orange County Sheriff's Department officials identified the victim as Leonore Evelyn Powell of Mission Viejo.

An autopsy is pending and no further information is available as of Saturday afternoon.

An unnamed person reported finding the victim about 3:15 p.m. behind the U.S. Bank branch located at 25972 Muirlands Blvd. on Thursday, according to Orange County Sheriff's Lieutenant Nathan Wilson.

Wilson said that based on the circumstances and condition of the body, which was at least partially concealed, investigators surmised the death was from "something other than natural causes."

Anyone with information about the case is urged to call Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) 847-6227.

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