(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The body pulled Tuesday from a Vernon Hills retention pond has been identified as missing Carpentersville teen Brissa Romero, the Lake County Coroner said.
According to a preliminary autopsy, the 17-year-old Romero’s death was consistent with drowning. There were no significant injuries nor were there signs of foul play.
Police previously stated that they believe Romero accidentally drove her Nissan Rogue into the pond.
Tuesday, crews recovered a body that matched Romero’s description a day after they found her car submerged in the pond .
Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis said cell phone data led investigators to a retention pond near Executive Way and Lakeview Parkway. When officers arrived, Kreis said a resident pointed out a backpack that appeared to have floated to the shore.
The officer determined that the backpack belonged to Brissa, Kreis said. That led to a search of the pond, where police found and recovered Brissa’s vehicle, a 2008 Nissan Rogue.
Romero had been missing since Monday, Dec. 4.
The 17-year-old was believed to have been on her way to a holiday party at the Bowlero in Vernon Hills, but she never arrived. Kreis said surveillance footage showed Brissa picking up food from a restaurant and driving away.
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