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Missing East Texas woman's body found in submerged car

Brenda Montanez, 25, had been missing for three weeks, according to the Henderson County Sheriff's Office.

HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas — The Henderson County Sheriff's Office says they do not suspect foul play after a missing Log Cabin woman was found dead in her car Friday in Cedar Creek Lake.

RELATED: Henderson County Sheriff's Office searching for missing Log Cabin woman

Brenda Lizbeth Montanez, 25, was first reported missing on January 27. The Henderson County Sheriff's Office asked for the public's help in finding Montanez on Feb. 8.

According to the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, officials conducted a search of Cedar Creek Lake and found the vehicle belonging to Montanez. They also found a female's body inside, later identified as Montanez. 

The car was found in about 15 feet of water about 75 yards off the Log Cabin boat ramp.

Credit: Henderson County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Athens Daily Review

The Athens Daily Review reports Montanez went to her boyfriend's home after a party and he refused to the answer the door. 

When she left, she went the opposite way she would usually drive. Police say she usually drives toward I-75.

Log Cabin Police say investigators do not believe foul play is involved. However, they are unsure if incident was accidental or suicide.

Police Chief Todd Tucker says the area she drove into was well lit and there are no fences or guard rails.

Officials from Illinois helped locate the car in the lake using sonar technology. Dive teams from Kemp, Mabank and Kaufman helped to retrieve the vehicle and the body Friday afternoon.

American Forensics in Mesquite is taking over the autopsy examination. 

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