The Aurora Police Department recovered an unidentified body from a local retention pond on Monday evening.
Investigators discovered the remains while searching for 32-year-old Shafia Murad, a missing local woman who has a mental illness.
Officers first noticed something in the water at approximately 7:35 p.m. during follow-up search activities.
The retention pond sits just east of North Farnsworth Avenue near Corporate Boulevard.
This commercial area sits directly down the street from the busy Chicago Premium Outlet Mall.
Family members last saw Murad at the shopping center on Thursday of last week.
Aurora firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to help police officers pull the body from the water.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office took custody of the remains and immediately launched a death investigation.
Officials scheduled an autopsy for Wednesday morning to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the person found in the water.
Police officers focused their search on this specific intersection after reviewing local surveillance videos.
The footage showed Murad traveling from the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall directly toward the area of the retention pond.
New leads led detectives to search the specific terrain surrounding the water on Monday night.
The Kane County Coroner will use medical records to help identify the recovered remains.
Police representatives emphasize that the investigation into Murad’s disappearance stays open and active.
Local authorities have not established any definitive connection between the discovered body and the missing woman.
The sudden police presence drew significant attention from drivers and workers in the commercial district.
This busy corridor serves as a major shopping and transit hub for residents across Kane County.
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Neighbors say the area usually sees heavy vehicle traffic due to the nearby interstate and outlet mall.
Community members expressed immediate concern for the safety of vulnerable residents who frequent the shopping district.
Local safety advocates advise residents to stay aware of their surroundings when walking near regional retention ponds and drainage areas.
The Aurora Police Department asks anyone with information about the case to call their main investigative line at 630-256-5500.
