Body found in Tampa identified as Kissimmee woman

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Tampa Police say the body found on Tuesday near Just Elementary School was the victim of a homicide.

They have identified her as 35-year-old Diana Medina of Kissimmee.

Her family says they hadn't heard from her in three weeks and that they had been trying to help her turn her life around.

"We are doing quite a bit at the scene and in the neighborhood to see what we can find out, to figure out who has been in the area, that sort of thing," said Steve Hegarty, a spokesperson for Tampa Police.

Police say she is the victim of upper body trauma and they don't know exactly how long her body was in the bushes.

"It is really hard to grasp when things like this happen in this neighborhood," said Wayne Caldwell, who lives near where the body was found.

Her family released a statement saying:

"She was a family oriented woman who put herself before others. Unfortunately, her faith and trust in people led her to be blinded by the dangers of this world. If anyone has any information involving my beloved daughter, please contact the police. No one deserves what was done to her, and no family deserves to feel the pain of grieving their child."

Anyone with information is asked to call Tampa Police at 813-231-6130.