The Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating a homicide that was discovered Friday. Authorities said late Saturday evening, that deputies and emergency crews responded at around 11:12-a.m. Friday to a report of an unresponsive female at 132 Perry Street, in rural Lacona. Upon arrival Melcher-Dallas Rescue personnel and deputies discovered the body of a deceased female who lives in the home. The victim was identified as 68-year old Shirley Carter.

An autopsy conducted by the State Medical Examiner’s Office revealed the cause of death was a gunshot wound and that it was a homicide. The final autopsy results won’t be known for several weeks.

Authorities have not named a possible suspect. Anyone with information about the crime should contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 641-828-2220.