The name of the woman found dead in Barton Meadow last Thursday
has been identified as Sandra Denise Petersen, 55, of South Lake Tahoe,
authorities confirmed Thursday night.
The woman was a permanent resident of South Lake Tahoe, was married
and has family in Carson City.
"Everything was pointing to this particular person based on the description
of the woman," said South Lake Tahoe Police Lt. Martin Hale. "In our investigation all of our facts had pointed to Sandra Petersen."
Police have talked to a number of people who live near Barton Meadow and had
reportedly seen a blond woman, between 50 and 60, there often.
It has not been determined whether Petersen had frequented the meadow in the
past, police said. Also undetermined is whether Petersen lived with her
husband, who was contacted this afternoon by police.
An autopsy of Petersen was completed, but a cause of death has
not been determined, said El Dorado County Sheriff's Office Lt. Les Lovell.
Results of a toxicology analysis are pending, he added.
Mrs. Petersen was identified through dental records, according to Hale.
There's s no indication foul play was involved in her death but the case
remains under investigation, Hale said.
"We haven't ruled it out yet. We are proceeding with caution. There's s no
indication of foul play at this particular time," he said.
The grisly remains of Petersen's body were discovered Oct. 11 by a resident
who was walking in the meadow. Police have said coyotes disturbed the body.
