Body Found In Pond Confirmed To Be Missing Woman, Cause Of Death Revealed: Aurora Police

AURORA, IL — A body pulled from a retention pond Monday night was confirmed to be missing woman Shafia Murad, Aurora police confirmed Wednesday.

Murad, 32, had been reported missing on May 28 after she was last seen at Chicago Premium Outlets.

On Monday evening, police were investigating her disappearance when they saw something in a pond near North Farnsworth Avenue and Corporate Boulevard, police said in a news release.

Aurora Police Department drone operators determined there was a body in the pond, according to officials.

On Wednesday night, the Kane County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the body was that of Murad. In addition to dental records, Aurora police were able to confirm Murad's identity through fingerprints, according to Coroner Dr. Monica Silva.

Silva said an autopsy was performed Wednesday, and the preliminary cause of death was determined to be drowning. Toxicology samples were also sent to a national forensic lab for analysis, Silva said.

Police said their preliminary investigation found no evidence of foul play, adding, "... The community’s concern and assistance were appreciated throughout this case. Our condolences are with Shafia’s family and loved ones during this difficult time."