SOUTH BEND — Police believe the body of a woman found Tuesday in the St. Joseph River is that of Linda Rowe, who has been missing for more than a month.

South Bend Police Capt. Phil Trent said size, race and sex of the body match that of 61-year-old Rowe.

The disabled woman was reported missing by Madison Center Assisted Living a couple of weeks after she was last seen.

Trent said the body was found in the river near Rowe’s apartment at Riverside Court and Riverside Drive.

Rowe wore false teeth and the body had no teeth, according to Trent.

That is why police must wait for DNA testing to positively identify the body. Trent said that could take "weeks or a couple of months."

Deputy Coroner Randy Magdalinski said the autopsy, conducted Wednesday in Fort Wayne, indicated the woman died from drowning.

Her body was found Tuesday by two fisherman near the 1600 block of Riverside Drive. The body appeared to have been in the river a long time.

Rowe last was seen leaving her apartment May 26.

Police said earlier that she "appeared to have a very small social network." She had physical problems that impaired her ability to walk and took several medications.

Trent said the missing person case and the case involving the identity of the body will remain open until the DNA tests are complete.

Magdalinski said the body has been returned to St. Joseph County.

He said when he thinks evidence from the body won’t be needed any longer, he will release the body for cremation.

After the woman’s identify is established, her ashes will be released to relatives. If no relatives are found, the county will handle any services, Magdalinski said.

Staff writer Sue Lowe:
slowe@sbtinfo.com
(574) 247-7758