The body of a woman discovered near Lake Michigan on Thursday was identified Saturday as Elise Malary, a missing Evanston woman and transgender rights advocate.
Malary, 31, was reported missing according to police on March 11.
She had last communicated with her relatives two days prior, and she was last seen in the 700-block of Hinman Avenue, according to authorities.
According to authorities, her vehicle was found late Tuesday evening in a city parking area at Hinman Avenue and South Boulevard.
Her friends and family assembled the day she was reported missing to scour Rogers Park near the Evanston border, as well as near the Howard Red Line stop, after her relatives said they received a tip she was last seen in the vicinity with two men.
“Our father just died, a lot transpired and the last thing she said to me was, ‘I will pay that tonight sis,'” said her sister, Fabiana Malary.
Evanston authorities said she was last seen near her apartment in Evanston, near the border of Rogers Park, and her vehicle was discovered in a parking area a few streets away on Tuesday with no sign of her whereabouts.
Despite the fact that her apartment was left unlocked, authorities said they discovered no evidence of foul play at her residence or in her vehicle.
“It was both doors unlocked. My sister never does that. When I heard that, my heart broke,” said Fabiana.
According to authorities, her body was discovered along the lakefront in the 500-block of Sheridan Square near Garden Park in Evanston around 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
According to the medical examiner, her cause of death and manner of death are still under investigation.
“Was it that someone came into her life in the last couple of weeks, or someone that was watching her that may have snatched her up. She lives alone and I’m worried,” said Angelina Nordstrom.
The Evanston Police Department stated that their investigation is still ongoing and that anyone with info should contact the Evanston Police Detective Bureau at 847-866-5040.
Source: ABC7
