MORIARTY, N.M. (AP) — The body of a missing woman has been found inside a van, five days after authorities in New Mexico towed it away.
Authorities say Tammie Cessna's body was found last week in an impound lot after state police executed a search warrant.
Moriarty Police Chief Bobby Garcia says Cessna's van was found at a Moriarty motel but officers didn't see the body.
Garcia says he doesn't feel his officers did anything wrong by taping up the van with the body still inside. Authorities say it's unclear if Cessna was dead when the van was towed.
He says the van wasn't opened because officers didn't have a search warrant.
Authorities say 41-year-old Mark Chavez is facing charges in her death.
It's unclear if he had an attorney.
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Information from: KOAT-TV, http://www.thenewmexicochannel.com/index.html
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