Woman's body found in Fuquay-Varina

Authorities said someone working in the area found the body in a ditch and called police around 10:30 a.m.

Police are waiting to release the identity of the woman until a family member can positively identify her.

Tommy Davis told WRAL News that the body has been identified as his first cousin Sandra Holland Thomas, who lived in the area. 

"She lost her way for a little bit and was in rehab. She was going to church and she found the Lord just in time, I guess, because she's probably in heaven somewhere," Davis said. 

Police called the death suspicious, but not commented further. An autopsy is pending.

"Her death shouldn't go in vain," Davis said. "You've got to do something positive in the wake of her death to make her name, her legacy go on." 

Beverly Marshall, who lives near where the body was found, went to the crime scene after police left on Tuesday afternoon. She said it’s a safe and quiet area and hopes police quickly solve the case.

"We allow our kids to come out and play, and we don’t have anything bad happen on this street," she said.