NORCO — Authorities announced Thursday the woman discovered dead Wednesday morning near Norco in Lake Pontchartrain was likely the victim of homicide.

In a release, Sheriff Greg Champagne said he is asking for the public’s help identifying the woman.

Following a forensic autopsy, it was determined the body is a black female between 45 and 60 years old, approximately 5’6” and approximately 180 lbs.

The victim was wearing a red and white plaid button down shirt, a white under shirt and a blue sports bra.

According to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the victim was found with gold-capped dentures on the top of her mouth and no lower dentures at the time the body was discovered.

“The victim has no scars or tattoos, but evidence shows she had undergone a full hysterectomy,” the release said. “It is believed the victim’s body was in the water for approximately two to three days.”

At approximately 7 a.m. Wednesday, work crews with CN Railroad notified the Sheriff’s Office of a body in Lake Pontchartrain just west of the entrance canal to the lower section in the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway in Norco.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Chris Baird or Lt. Derek Pertuis at 985-783-1135 or 985-783-6807 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-877-903-STOP.

Those who call do not have to give their name or testify and could receive up to $2,500.