Body found July 8 in river identified

The body of a woman found more than five weeks ago in the Kankakee River in Wilmington has been identified.

According to Will County Coroner Patrick K. O’Neil, the woman is Martha E. Sanchez, age 24, of Chicago, who was last seen July 4.

On Saturday, July 8, a homeowner discovered her body in the Kankakee River off the 29000 block of North Readman Lane, about 40 feet from shore. The woman was pronounced dead at the shoreline at 2:45 p.m.

She was clothed in a black, one-piece, Forever 21 bodysuit with a three-quarter chest zipper, size small. 

Illinois State Police, the lead investigators in the case, asked the public for help in identifying the woman. She was described as a light-skinned female in her late teens to early 20s, approximately 5 feet tall, weighing 102 pounds.

The coroner said they were able to identify Sanchez from dental records as she had been reported as missing by Chicago Police.

An autopsy conducted July 10, did not reveal a conclusive cause of death and O’Neal said state police are investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the ISP TIPLINE at (815) 726-6377, ext 2.  Callers can remain anonymous.