Crime & Safety

Woman Identified After Decomposing Body Found Behind Bradenton Home: Sheriff

Manatee County deputies identified a woman whose body was found behind a Bradenton home and said she died from "homicidal violence."

BRADENTON, FL โ€” A woman whose decomposing body was found in the backyard of a Bradenton home on Monday has been identified, and an autopsy has determined that she died as a result of โ€œhomicidal violence,โ€ the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

Starr Lashua, 44, was found in the backyard of a residence in the 700 block of 59th Avenue East, investigators said.

Detectives arenโ€™t releasing additional details about how she was killed yet, citing the ongoing investigation.

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โ€œThose details will be released when appropriate,โ€ deputies said.

Investigators with the MCSO Homicide Investigation Unit have identified a person of interest and are working to develop charges in the case.

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Anyone with information about Lashua's death is asked to contact the sheriffโ€™s office at 941-747-3011.

People who wish to remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward can contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or visit ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.

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