Remains Are Those Of Elgin Woman, Relative Says: Report

ELGIN, IL — An elderly woman missing from Elgin may be connected to human remains found over the weekend in a Lincoln Park Lagoon. Gail Peck, 76, was last seen in the 700 block of Littleton Trail on the east side of Elgin Friday evening as she left to walk her dog, police said on Friday. Peck's dog returned home without her, according to officials, but on Monday, police said remains found Saturday could be connected to the case.

"We have been speaking with her son, Brian Peck, since he initially reported her missing," Elgin police said late Monday morning. "We are also working with the Chicago Police Department on the possibility that the body that was found in a lagoon area near Lincoln Park is related to this case. Additional testing will need to be conducted before we can confirm there is a connection."

Monday afternoon, a police source in Elgin told WGN a relative confirmed that the remains are those of Peck,noting that a dismembered torso that was found in the lagoon bore a scar that matched one that Peck had.

Elgin police said no one has been charged in connection with Peck's disappearance.

On Saturday, a fisherman called 911 at around 11 a.m. after finding a duffel bag filled with what appeared to be human remains in the Lincoln Park lagoon. Marine Unit divers then found a second duffel bag with more remains near the 2200 block of North Stockton, Chicago police said.

"Detectives believe the remains are from the same individual as those found earlier," Chicago police said on Saturday. "This is a continuing death investigation and Detectives are actively looking into missing persons reports for any possible leads." ABC Chicago reported that the remains were those of an unidentified white female.

Peck is described as an elderly white woman who is 5 feet tall with black hair and hazel eyes. Police said her clothing description is unknown. Anyone who has seen her was asked to call 911 or 847-289-2700.

Police said a helicopter was used to search the Elgin area for Peck over the weekend.

"We are narrowing our search to specific areas based on information detectives have acquired," police said on Facebook Saturday morning. "Thank you to those who did come out to help, and to those who shared this post; if we need more help from the community we know we can count on you, but at this time investigators have all the resources they need."

As of Sunday night, police said detectives were "continuing to diligently investigate the disappearance of Gail Peck." Police added, "Many investigative leads are being pursued but none of these suggest there is any danger to the general public."

Watch Now: Human Remains Found in Lincoln Park Lagoon

Image via Elgin Police