Kenosha Police believe a woman found dead in Nedweski Park on Monday is Lashe Zalar, 20, of Kenosha, Police Chief John Morrissey said in a statement released today.

Positive identification is still pending DNA testing, Morrissey’s statement said.

Following is the entire statement:

The Kenosha Police Department continues to work with the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the State Fire Marshall to determine the positive identity and the cause and manner of death of the female victim that was located in Nedweski Park on July 9, 2012. The Kenosha Police Department has received several reports of missing individuals over the last several days. At this point in time, I want to reiterate that a positive identification has not been made; however, evidence collected at the scene leads us to believe that the individual is Lashe Zalar, 20 years of age, from Kenosha, WI. I have met with the family of Lashe and they understand the DNA testing is still ongoing, and a positive identification has not been made. However, they understand the reasons we believe the individual is Lashe and the need for a focused investigation.  They also understand that, if the positive identification determines that the indiviudual is Lashe, the need for the community to assist in determining the circumstances surrounding the death is overriding. Anyone who has any information on Lashe or her whereabouts is requested to contact Detective Josh Hecker directly at (262) 605-5264. The Kenosha Police Department is continuing to ask anyone who was in the area of Nedweski Park during the morning hours of July 9, 2012, and observed any activity to please call Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at (262) 656-7333, the Kenosha Police Department Detective Bureau at (262) 605-5203, or Detective Josh Hecker at (262) 605-5264. The investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding this death.  The initial autopsy did not provide the manner or cause of death. The official cause of death is pending toxicology testing. Due to the uncertainty of the cause of death and identification of the individual, the Kenosha Police Department continues to maintain the area of Nedweski Park and will until we are confident there is no longer a need to secure the area. The family has asked me to request and reiterate that they would appreciate if the media would respect their privacy at this time. The difficulty of losing a loved one is traumatic enough, but to allow for the release of information prior to having the positive identification is distressing. If they decide to make a statement, they will contact the media directly, or through the Kenosha Police Department. It is extremely unfortunate that individuals have chosen to start and advance many rumors about several deaths across the City of Kenosha. At this time, I am unaware of any other deaths that are connected to the death investigation of the individual that was located in Nedweski Park. Rumors do hurt people, and this is how. Rumors increase anxiety in an already anxious environment. Perhaps the worst effect of rumors is that they hurt people in very real ways.  They can destroy relationships, careers and reputations.  Rumors also reduce the credibility of those spreading them. — Chief John W. Morrissey, Kenosha Police Department”