Crystal Terpening, Missing Ill. Woman, Found Dead

EAST ALTON, Ill. (CBS/KMOX) Police have confirmed that human remains found last week in a wooded area in East Alton are those of missing Illinois woman Crystal Terpening.

The 26-year-old had been missing nearly a month. Police are now investigating her death as a homicide.

Investigators say they have evidence suggesting Crystal spent the last few days of her life in different locations in the area. Deputy commander Brad Wells told CBS affiliate KMOX that Terpening had an ongoing problem with drugs, including crack cocaine use.

He adds that Terpening was last seen leaving her home on Oct. 12, but investigators do not believe she was killed that same day.

Police are asking anyone with information on Crystal Terpening to contact East Alton's Major Case Squad at 618-296-4478 or the Crimestoppers anonymous tip line at 618-296-3000.