New Jersey Woman Found Dead in Snow: Police

Authorities say foul play is not suspected in the death of a woman found outside her neighbor's home in a southern New Jersey townhome development.

Ocean County prosecutors say the neighbor had gone out to clear snow from her car when she found 66-year-old Olivia Benito shortly after 7 a.m. Sunday. The two Lakewood residents had attended a benefit together on Saturday night, and prosecutors say that while there Benito consumed several alcoholic beverages.

The neighbor said Benito stayed at her house for a short time after they returned from the benefit, then left around midnight to go to her own home about two doors away.

When the neighbor found Benito, she tried to assist her and called 911. She also alerted Benito's husband, who had assumed his wife was spending the night at the neighbor's home.

Benito's husband and other relatives could not be reached for comment Sunday night.

No outward signs of trauma were found on Benito's body, authorities said. A cause of death has not been determined, and it was not known when autopsy reports would be made public.

The investigation into the death is being led by the prosecutor's office and Lakewood police. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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