Woman missing nearly 11 years found inside submerged vehicle


HOWARD COUNTY, Ind. -- A woman who was reported missing in November 2009 was likely located Wednesday when anglers spotted her vehicle at the bottom of a retention pond, according to the Howard County Sheriff's Office.

The discovery was made on Wednesday afternoon at t a pond in the area of Webster Street and 300 North in Kokomo.

People who were fishing in the pond saw what they believed was an algae covered vehicle at the bottom of the pond.

Within an hour, the vehicle was pulled from the pond with a single occupant inside, deputies said.

The vehicle was identified as a gold 2005 Cadillac CTS with Ohio registration MS ESTER, deputies said.

A forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy on the remains on Thursday. Identification of the victim will be made through dental records and/or DNA.

The remains are believed to be those of Esther Westenbarger, who was last seen walking from one bar to another to get her vehicle, reports said.

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