Authorities have confirmed the identity of a body discovered earlier this week in Lexington County, South Carolina, as Elena Katherine Moore, a missing fitness trainer. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office announced Friday that the remains, found near Old Cherokee Road and Northlake Drive on June 17, belong to Moore, 39. She had been reported missing after leaving a Planet Fitness gym in Lexington on June 11.
Autopsy Pending at Medical University
In a notable development, the Lexington County Coroner’s Office will not be conducting the autopsy. Moore’s body is being transported to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston for a forensic examination scheduled for Saturday. Further details concerning the cause and manner of Moore’s death are anticipated on Monday, June 22, according to the coroner’s office.
Officials emphasized that determining a definitive cause and manner of death is a complex process that can require several days or even weeks. Until then, no additional information regarding the ongoing investigation will be released.
Discovery Follows Tip to New Search Area
The identification comes two days after a body was found in a wooded area near Old Cherokee Road and Northlake Drive. Investigators were led to this new search location following a tip.
Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green stated that the discovered body matched the clothing description of Moore, who was last seen on the evening of June 11. Surveillance footage showed Moore wearing a green outfit, consistent with what was found on the deceased.
Friend Recounts Trainer’s Fears
Moore’s disappearance had garnered significant attention after friends shared concerning details about her behavior in the weeks prior. In a recent conversation, a close friend, Sondra Campbell, revealed that Moore had expressed significant apprehension.
Campbell recounted that during their last in-person meeting on May 31, Moore explicitly stated she was “scared for her life.” The friend indicated that Moore had wished to discuss the matter further in private but never had the opportunity.
Moore was last observed walking through the Publix parking lot at 100 Old Cherokee Road, having departed from Planet Fitness. Friends also noted that Moore had been uncharacteristically absent from social media for approximately a month before she vanished.
Investigation Led by State Agency
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is now heading the investigation, with all case-related inquiries being directed to the agency. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office extended its condolences to Moore’s family and urged anyone with information pertinent to the investigation to contact SLED directly.
