The coroner has released the identity of a 27-year-old woman who was found dead in a field near Woodstock after reportedly being shot Tuesday morning.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded around 9:05 a.m. Tuesday to the area of Hughes Road and Route 14 in unincorporated Woodstock.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said a 911 caller reported an unknown medical emergency involving a female lying on the ground.
The woman was found unresponsive on the west side of the road south of the intersection along Hughes Road.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein identified her on Wednesday as Laurana Talo, 27, of Walworth, Wisconsin.
Talo was reported to have been shot and deputies arrived and reported she was suffering from a gunshot wound, according to emergency radio traffic.
Vucha said Talo had suffered “traumatic injuries believed to be associated with a firearm.”
Paramedics confirmed Talo, who was in the field just off the roadway, was deceased at the scene, Vucha said.
A medical helicopter that was placed on standby was canceled. Deputies reported that a crime scene was established.
Sheriff’s deputies shut down Hughes Road from Route 14 to Kishwaukee Valley Road. Barricades were placed on both sides of the road closure.
The sheriff’s office issued a community alert asking the public to avoid the area until further notice due to the ongoing police investigation.
“There is no concern to the public in this area, situation is currently being investigated,” the alert said.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene and sheriff’s detectives were seen investigating as crime scene tape cordoned off the area where the body was discovered.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office told Lake and McHenry County Scanner only that a death investigation was underway.
“There is no threat to the public and more information will be shared once available.” The spokesperson directed further inquiries to the coroner’s office.
Rein said an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday on Talo.
It is unclear whether the incident is being treated as a homicide or not. The roadway was reopened around 12:50 p.m. Tuesday.