Death of Kenosha woman investigated as homicide

KENOSHA -- The death of 26-year-old Lisa Mezera, whose body was found in a cemetery in the town of Somers, is now being investigated as a homicide.

Officials have not named a suspect in this case. But they do have a person of interest. But the Kenosha County Sheriff says that person is already in custody for another crime that does not have anything to do with this investigation.

Annie Collins was a neighbor of Mezera. She says Mezera was always cheerful and full of life.

"We were pretty close.  She would come down and hang out pretty often with us," Collins said.

Lisa Mezera

Mezera's father says he last say his daughter on Saturday, August 18th. He says she was getting in a car, leaving with associates. Investigators have located that car.

"We also have gone through the car that initially was there that picked up the daughter.  We`re trying to either pin that somehow or we`re trying to clear that from this investigation," Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth said.

Investigators also combed the cemetery looking for evidence.

"We have sent samples.  We`re hoping we have DNA samples, and that may tie some people into the crime," Sheriff Beth said.

When community members first heard about the suspicious incident, it sparked concern. People worried there could be a killer targeting random people. But investigators believe Mezera's death was an isolated incident.

"I don`t believe she was walking down the streets of Kenosha and she was picked up and killed.  I believe that whoever did this to her, she was familiar with," Sheriff Beth said.

Investigators are waiting to get more information back from the state crime lab.  The Sheriff's Department says an autopsy has been completed.

In the meantime, if you have information that could help investigators in this case, you're urged to call (262) 605-5102.

A fund for burial costs has been set up in Lisa Mezera's name. Donations can be made at any Associated Bank.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

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