[Southsider2k12]

http://wsbt.com/news/local/michigan-city-p...-found-in-ditch

Michigan City police are investigating after they say the body of a 24-year-old white female was found in a ditch Wednesday morning.

This is in the area of Meer Road, about 100 yards south of Freyer Road, say police.

The body was found by a passing bicyclist around 7:25 a.m.

The name of the woman is being withheld pending notification of family.

No word on the cause of death. Police say an autopsy has been ordered.

WSBT 22 has a crew on scene working to get more information. Stay with us online and on the air for updates.

[diggler]

Body found in Michigan City identified as 24-year-old LaPorte woman

Bob Kasarda


MICHIGAN CITY — Police have identified the woman found dead Wednesday along Meer Road as a 24-year-old LaPorte resident.

Ashleigh Blatz was found at 7:25 a.m. about 100 yards south of Freyer Road by a passing bicyclist, police said.

An autopsy is to take place Thursday. Police are asking the public for help in determining what happened to Blatz.

The woman had been dead long enough for paramedics not to attempt CPR, said Buddy Kasinger, a spokesman for LaPorte County Emergency Medical Service.

"In that area, it's pretty much wooded on both sides of road," Kasinger he said.

The woman was found without a driver's license or any other identification, said LaPorte County Coroner Bob Cutler.

The bicyclist managed to flag down a passing motorist, who called 911, police said.

The body was found in the Michigan City police jurisdiction, just inside the city limits.

The investigation is being led by Detective Sgt. Ken Havlin, with help from the LaPorte County Sheriff's Department.

[taxthedeer]

Just by googling in the victims name this appears to be related to either drugs or prostitution.

[diggler]

Usually, its the other way around in LP County: the bicyclist gets KILLED

[Tim]

An arrest has been made, according to the ND.

[Southsider2k12]

An attest has been made

http://www.wndu.com/content/news/Man-arres...-441768573.html

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (WNDU) A man has been charged in connection with the death of a 24-year-old woman in Michigan City.

Charles Williams, 66, faces two charges of dealing cocaine or a narcotic drug and a charge of altering the scene of death.

A bicyclist found the body of Ashleigh Blatz on Wednesday morning on Meer Road, just south of Freyer Road.

Michigan City police "want to assure the public that this was not a random act." They also say the case is open and ongoing.

An autopsy has been conducted, and the results are pending toxicology tests.

Williams is being held on a $50,000 bond.

[Southsider2k12]

http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publi...66121b6d40.html

Investigators eventually focused on Charles Williams as being responsible.

Williams was charged Friday in LaPorte Superior Court with two counts of dealing a schedule I substance and altering a death scene, all felonies.

Police say Williams confessed Thursday to having traded cocaine for sex with Blatz at his home. Williams also admitted giving Blatz heroin that same night, police said.

Williams left the room to ingest drugs himself and returned to find her unresponsive, according to court documents, which quote Williams claiming to have tried to revive Blatz, walking her around his the home and pouring salt into her mouth. He allegedly left the house for more than a day before returning and placing Blatz in a rental car. Williams allegedly told police he drove her four miles and placed her body where it was found hours later.

Williams was held on $50,000 cash only bond.