CARY, NC – The Town of Cary Police Department announced tonight that the deceased woman discovered just outside Town limits on Monday evening has been identified as missing Cary resident Nancy Cooper, 34, of Wallsburg Court in Cary.

The investigation is now a homicide. No persons of interest or suspects have been named.

“We are appalled and outraged by this terrible tragedy. And as Chief of this department, I promise each one of you that nothing will stand in our way of doing our best to ensure a swift and certain conclusion to this case,” said Town of Cary Police Chief Pat Bazemore.

The area where Cooper was found has been treated as a crime scene since the body was discovered at about 7:30 p.m. last night. The street, Britt Abby Court, is at the far end of a subdivision under construction called the Oaks at Meadowridge. Members of the Cary Police Department as well as the City County Bureau of Identification and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office worked there throughout the evening and during the day today.

Bazemore again reiterated that this is an isolated incident but announced that the Town will not be able to release many details of the investigation. “It is imperative that none of us does or says anything that could jeopardize our efforts at identifying the person or persons responsible for Nancy’s death and bringing them to justice. For this reason, I will be very limited in what additional information I can share with you at this time, which I’m sure you understand.”

Cooper’s brother, Jeff Rentz, thanked the Cary Police Department for their work on the investigation and all of the friends and volunteers who searched for his sister. “We regret that all we can return for all of your efforts is our gratitude and our thanks,” he said.

Citizens who are interested in crime prevention are encouraged to participate in Cary’s National Night Out on August 5. National Night Out is an annual crime and drug abuse prevention event that brings citizens and Cary police together to strengthen neighborhood spirit and foster partnerships for safer communities. For crime prevention tips, visit www.townofcary.org.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest or indictment of those responsible for committing certain types of crimes. If you have information, contact Crime Stoppers at 226-CRIM(E); you may also visit www.carycrimestoppers.net. All calls to Crime Stoppers are kept in complete confidence.

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