The death of a West End woman whose nude body was found in an abandoned Strip District factory could remain a mystery for at least several weeks, authorities said Wednesday.
An autopsy on the body of Lashawna Lagrande, 21, found no signs of trauma or injuries, the Allegheny County Coroner's Office said. Results of tests on her blood and microscopic evidence will not be available for several weeks.
Pittsburgh police found the body laying on blankets on the fifth floor of the dilapidated former home of Armstrong Cork Co. at 23rd and Allegheny Valley Railroad streets about 9 p.m. Tuesday, after receiving an anonymous 911 call.
The male tipster -- calling from a pay phone in Lawrenceville -- described in detail where the body was, police said. Homicide detectives were reviewing a tape of the call in an attempt to determine the man's identity.
Police said they found some drug paraphernalia near Lagrande, who they said suffered from diabetes.
Police, paramedics and forensic specialists from the coroner's office had to climb dangerous stairways and walk around debris from homeless camps to reach the body, investigators said.
A $40 million renovation plan for the seven-story factory and warehouse buildings, and a connected 10-story tower, is in the planning stages. A Chicago-based developer, the Marling Group, has teamed with the building's owner, Charles Hammel III, to convert the building into 291 loft-style apartments. Work could begin within 30 days.
Police said the huge factory and plant have been vacant for at least 30 years and are popular with homeless people.
