RINCON -- The Rincon Police Department reported the discovery of a young woman’s body behind a Lisa Street shopping area in Rincon on Friday. 

The woman, between 23 and 28, was thought to have been killed in the previous 24 hours. She is not thought to be a citizen of Rincon.

The department conducted a brief news conference Friday to release information about the case, which is being treated as a homicide. Lt. Jose Ramirez, acting police chief, gave the details with Detective Don Wood and Officer Erick Knapp alongside. 

Ramirez said that around  3 p.m. Friday police received a call about a body behind Ms. Jeans’ Restaurant in Rincon. He said the preliminary investigation revealed that a black female was found deceased in the wood line. 

Ramirez said, “We’re working with surrounding agencies in the area and also out of the state. We feel confident we’ve identified who the individual is but at this moment to respect her family, her name is not going to be released due to the fact that we have not contacted the family.” 

He asked that the public not jump to conclusions or come up with rumors or ideas. He said they would reach out to the public for help once they have announced her identification to the public. 

Effingham County Coroner David Exley was onsite and the body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab where an autopsy has been scheduled for Monday morning. The Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, the Effingham Coroner and other agencies have been actively assisting with the investigation.