Body found in Minneapolis alley

Star Tribune

Last update: December 3, 2008 - 11:16 PM

Authorities have identified the homeless woman found lying in a northeast Minneapolis alley Wednesday morning.

Violet Grace Jackson, 25, was identified by the Hennepin County medical examiner's office. Her autopsy is done, but the cause and manner of death are unknown pending toxicology tests, an office spokesman said.

The woman was not wearing a coat or gloves, but "there was no obvious foul play," said Sgt. Jesse Garcia. He said her body showed no obvious signs of trauma.

Police found her body in an alley near 26th and University Avenues NE. after somebody saw the body and called police about 7:30 a.m.

Garcia said one theory is that she died elsewhere and was left in the alley. "She also could have walked there and fallen," he added. Rigor mortis had set in, and her body may have been in the alley for several hours, Garcia said.

Police are looking for anyone who knew the woman or might have known where she had stayed in the past.

JIM ADAMS

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