By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

POLICE identified the body found badly beaten off West Bay Street early Thursday morning as that of 23-year-old Emanuela Augustin of Coral Harbour.

Inspector Chrislyn Skippings said police are still unsure of the circumstances surrounding the woman's death.

However, she confirmed the matter is being treated as a homicide.

She said: "We received information around 7am that a body that appeared to be female, was discovered in an open area near Perpall Tract off West Bay Street.

"She appeared to have injuries to her upper body. We are still unsure of how she died but investigations are ongoing."

Sources close to the investigation say she was discovered face down under a red Dodge Ram truck wearing only a ripped shirt.

The source said police do not believe she was run over by the truck, but rather beaten to death with a blunt object then dragged under the vehicle.

Police are unsure if she was sexually assaulted.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact police on 919, 322-3333, the Central Detective Unit on 502-9991 or 502-9910, or Crime Stoppers on 328-TIPS.