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Melissa Jenkins Update: Autopsy confirms body is that of missing Vermont prep school teacher

Vermont police believe body found is that of missing school teacher Melissa Jenkins
Melissa Jenkins CBS/WCAX

(CBS/AP) ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. - Vermont State Police say an autopsy has confirmed that a body found off a back road is that of prep school teacher Melissa Jenkins who disappeared while her son was left unharmed in her idling car.

Pictures: Missing Vt. school teacher Melissa Jenkins

Police said Tuesday that the death of the 33-year-old Jenkins has been ruled a homicide. Police did not release the cause of death.

Jenkins was reported missing Sunday night. Police found her car not far from her St. Johnsbury home. There was evidence of a struggle.

The body was found Monday from where her car was found.

Jenkins taught science and had served as the freshman girls' basketball coach at St. Johnsbury Academy, a boarding school that also serves as the public high school.

Authorities acknowledged they did not know whether Jenkins' disappearance was isolated. Vermont State Police Maj. Ed. Ledo said at a news conference that the public should be vigilant as authorities continue to seek a suspect.

More on Crimesider
March 27, 2012 - Vermont police believe body found is that of missing school teacher Melissa Jenkins

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