Motorists driving along Route 40 in Frederick early Wednesday spotted the body of a woman on the side of the road — the second body drivers have spotted in the area this week.
Maryland State Police do not know how the woman found Wednesday died, and the state medical examiner's office is conducting an autopsy, police said. Investigators identified her as Malicia Smith, 20.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is investigating the case.
Motorists called 911 just after 3:30 a.m. after they saw the body on the shoulder of Route 40, west of Ridge Road in Frederick. Paramedics called to the scene pronounced her dead, police said.
Police said Smith was from Hagerstown, but had "no fixed" address.
Roads in the area were temporarily closed Wednesday morning while state police crime scene technicians and investigators gathered evidence, police said.
Police also continue to investigate the killing of a 77-year-old Lillie M. Morris of Jefferson, who was found Monday lying injured in her front yard in the 5400 block of Burkittsville Road near Frederick.
A motorist reported seeing Morris before 3 p.m. with trauma to her body. Police say she died as medics transported her to the hospital, State Police said.
State troopers, along with Frederick County and Washington County sheriffs' deputies, searched the area unsuccessfully for suspects. An autopsy is also pending in her case.
Maryland State Police spokesman Sgt. Marc E. Black said police are investigating the cases separately and do not see any links between them.
Investigators ask anyone with information on either crimes to call Maryland State Police at 301-600-4150. Callers may remain anonymous, police said.
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