Smiths body identified

A body found in Smiths Station Sunday evening has been identified as that of 57-year-old Debra West Shierling.

The cause and manner of her death are still pending further investigation, but foul play is not considered a factor, a press release issued by Lee County Coroner Bill Harris said.

Shierling was found off Lee Road 447 and was positively identified through dental records and fingerprints by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, the release said.

“Shierling had been missing from her residence since the morning of Sept. 9. She was found a short distance from her residence in a wooded area. ... The case remains under investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Coroner, and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences,” the release said.