Decomposing body found near Russellville

Authorities hope results from an autopsy today will reveal more information about what happened in the death on an unidentified person found this weekend near Russellville.

Sgt. Kevin Hunter with the Missouri Highway Patrol said Monday that due to the amount of decomposition they couldn't tell if the remains were of a man or a woman.

"We can't rule out foul play as a cause, but were still very early into this investigation so we have to look at all possibilities," he said.

The body was found Saturday night southwest of Russellville in Moniteau County. Hunter did not say how the body was found.

"As in any case with an unidentified body there is immediately speculation about whether or not it might be someone that has been missing for some time," Hunter said. "We don't want to make any assumptions and give any false hope to families of those still missing so until we get the autopsy results we're giving just the basics about this case."