Orange County Sheriff Deputies investigate woman's body found in ditch

Orange County Sheriff Department press release - On Sunday November 1, 2009 at approximately 7:10AM the Orange County Sheriff's Office received a call of a deceased female in the ditch in the 8800 block of Cajun Way in Orangefield.

The deceased was identified as Laura Russell, a 42 year old Bridge City resident. Ms. Russell had apparently gotten into an argument with her husband last night while driving home from a party in Orangefield. Ms. Russell became belligerent and got out of their vehicle and began walking on Cajun Way. The husband drove home and returned later to try and get her to come home. After checking the area he located her in the ditch in the 8800 block of Cajun Way and phoned the Sheriff's Office.

Orange County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Joe Parkhurst responded and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. Judge Parkhurst ordered an inquest and Ms. Russell was transported to the Jefferson County Morgue.

The Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation. Detectives from Orange PD and Vidor PD also assisted in the Investigation. At this time there does not appear to be any signs of foul play. More information will be available once the autopsy has been performed.