Body in bayou identified as elderly woman

Police continue to investigate, no cause of death released

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

According to the WMPD Criminal Investigation Division, the body found in the water at Ten Mile Bayou on the morning of Monday, Oct. 16, earlier this year has been identified after sending the remains to the crime lab in Little Rock for autopsy and DNA testing to be that of Lori Hastings. Hastings was a 77-year-old resident of West Memphis and lived on

See BODY, page A3 BODY

From page A1

West Jefferson Avenue.

Found by city employees and initially announced by the WMPD to be that of a male and even confirmed by West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon to be that of a suspected “homeless man” in order to quell online social media rumors that the body was a female or child, it turns out that this was not the case.

It is unclear how the body of the elderly woman came to be in the bayou behind the Boys & Girls Club near Ross St over a mile-and-a-half from her residence and at present authorities have said they have no reason to suspect foul play or that it was a homicide. No cause of death has of yet been assigned.

Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the West Memphis Police Department at (870) 7327554. Police said if you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crittenden County Crime Stoppers at (870) 7327444.