The body of a missing Tucson woman was found in the desert northwest of Tucson, authorities say.
The circumstances that set off a search for Melissa Mendez, 22, started about 10 a.m. Sunday, hours after a car she was reportedly riding was found damaged and abandoned in the 24000 block of West Silverbell Road, northwest of Tucson, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a news release.
Deputies immediately searched the surrounding area for anyone who might have been in the car. No one was found.
The owner of the car told investigators her son was driving. Later a couple in a utility terrain vehicle told deputies they'd given a man matching the man's description to a store in Red Rock, the department has said.
By Monday, the family of Mendez reported her missing. A more extensive search ensued.
About 9 a.m. Tuesday, the woman's body was found in the desert area near where the car was initially located.
"At this time, no signs of foul play have been identified," the release said.
The investigation continues.
