06/06/2009

Associated Press

Authorities say a body found in Belews Lake is a Mount Airy woman reported missing last weekend.

Multiple media outlets reported that the death of 24-year-old Ashley Ward is now being investigated as a homicide.

Ward's body was found in a shallow cove of the lake Tuesday. Medical examiners used dental records to confirm her identity. They said her cause of death was unnatural, but wouldn't release details Friday.

Ward's mother reporter her missing on May 30.

Stokes County Sheriff's Maj. Durwood Bennett says Ward was visiting her boyfriend when she disappeared.

Bennett would not say if that man has been questioned about her death.