Death of woman found in Franklin County investigated as homicide

ALTUS -- The death of a woman found alongside a Franklin County road remained under investigation Friday, authorities reported. 

Franklin County sheriff’s deputies received a report about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday about the woman lying near State Highway 186, south of Interstate 40 near Altus.

The sheriff’s department has asked the Arkansas State Police to lead the investigation.

As of Friday, the identity of the female victim was unknown. An autopsy is expected from the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the manner and cause of death.

Special agents of the state police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the death as a homicide.