The woman whose body was found in a north Peoria ditch last year died from strangulation.
35-year-old Inita Thomas of Peoria was discovered December 23 along the northbound lanes of Illinois Route 6 near the Knoxville Avenue overpass.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood says an initial exam revealed no immediate signs of trauma, but an autopsy showed clear evidence of strangulation.
Authorities didn't immediately know if Thomas had been walking along Route 6 or if her body was placed there. Harwood says the investigation determined Thomas was placed in the ditch. Her death is being investigated as a homicide by the Illinois State Police and the coroner's office.
Authorities have declined to release additional details.
