Calif. Postal Worker Found Dead in Dumpster; 61-Year-Old Woman Believed Murdered During Shift

HAYWARD, Calif. (CBS/KPIX)  The death of a long-time postal worker found in a dumpster Monday was an apparent homicide, according to an autopsy, says Hayward police Lt. Chris Orrey.

Nancy Rogers, 61, was found dead in a dumpster in San Leandro, Calif., at approximately 8 a.m. on Monday, after co-workers noticed she was missing a few hours after she had arrived at work at 1a.m. The employees notified their supervisor, who then told police, Postal Inspector Hilary Rickher told CBS affiliate  KPIX.

According to the station, Lt. Orrey said police officers determined that the post office's dumpster was recently emptied. When officers contacted Waste Management of Alameda County they were informed that the dumpster's contents were picked up before Rogers was reported missing. That led officers to the dumpster in San Leandro where the contents had eventually been deposited.

Investigators searched through piles of garbage and found a body that matched Rogers' description. Rickher told KPIX that Hayward police and postal inspectors are conducting a joint investigation in the case.

Richker said Rogers worked at the Santa Clara Street post office in Hayward for 43 years, and was considered "an institution" there.

The cause of her death was not released.