Investigation continues into death of Portageville woman

Crystal Ramirez

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- The cause of death of a woman whose decomposed body was discovered Tuesday evening is undetermined.

New Madrid County Coroner George DeLisle said following the autopsy of the victim, Crystal Ramirez, 37, at Farmington Wednesday, he could not issue a ruling on the cause of death.

"We do know it was non-traumatic; she was not shot or stabbed," DeLisle said. He said before a final ruling can be made he will have to review toxicology reports, which could take up to a month before completed.

Officers with the Portageville Police found Ramirez's body in a house on Lesieur Street around 6 p.m. Tuesday. Authorities estimated the body was there for about a week, however due to the decomposition could not determine the cause of death, prompting the autopsy.

Family members reportedly said Ramirez was last seen about a week ago. Her boyfriend had contacted Portageville Police on Sunday about the missing woman.

The Major Case Squad, which includes officers with the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department, Sikeston Department of Public Safety and Missouri State Highway Patrol, are assisting the Portageville Police in the investigation.

Graveside services are scheduled last Thursday at the Portageville Cemetery for Ramirez.