Homicide Investigation Underway After Body Found Under Newport Beach Bridge

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Police are investigating after the body of an unidentified woman was found near under a bridge in Newport Beach Monday.

The victim was reportedly found lying face down around 8:45a.m. under the Bay Bridge at Pacific Coast Highway and Bayside Drive near Pearson's Port Fish Shack and the Southwind Kayak Center.

The death is being investigated as a homicide. The victim was reportedly shot to death and could have been thrown from the bridge.

Six divers from the Orange County Sheriff's department scoured the surrounding waters for a possible weapon.

"We're looking for anything that doesn't belong there today," said Sgt. Steve Mitchell of the Orange County Sheriff's dive team. Mitchell said divers did not find anything in their search Monday.

"Officers responded to the scene and confirmed that there was a female who was deceased upon arrival," said Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella. "The Orange County Coroner's office will be conducting a complete investigation to determine the cause of death as well as the identity of the victim."

A local kayak and stand-up paddle board rental business near the crime scene was closed Monday.

Some employees saw the victim from a distance, as well as blood on the pavement and railing on Pacific Coast Highway. Investigators placed evidence markers on the sidewalk and bridge railing.

"I don't know who she was but I feel sorry for her family," said John Ellis, who was at the scene in the morning when the body was found.

Authorities said information on the victim's age or race would be determined by the coroner.