Woman's Body Found In East Coventry Creek Identified: DA

The woman's body discovered in a creek in East Coventry Township has been positively identified, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said Thursday.

The body is that of Ryan Stevyn Benjamin, 24, who had a last known address of 488 Porters Mill Road in Pottstown, the DA said.

Benjamin had graduated from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, according to authorities. She was employed as a pre-K teacher.

Officials said they were able to identify Benjamin by unique body markings, including distinctive tattoos, rings, and other physical features.

"This is a very active investigation," DA Tom Hogan said in a statement. "The victim a was an outgoing and social young woman, with many friends in the West Chester area."

Benjamin was found on Memorial Day in a pond connected to Pigeon Creek, a popular fishing and swimming hole. She was tied to a cinder block.

It's not yet clear how she died, as authorities say there were no clear markings on her, and that she was dead before she was put in the water.

"The person who dumped Ryan's body int he water knows what they did," Hogan said. "And knows that police are closing in. Every moment that this person stays on the run makes it look worse. This individual should come in to authorities now."

Anyone with any information, or anyone who may have had contact with Benjamin over Memorial Day weekend, is asked to contact Chester County Detective Sgt. Tom Goggin immediately at 610-344-6866.

Images courtesy Chester County DA's Office.