GIRARD Probe continues into death of woman found on road

Autopsy results may not be released for several months.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- The investigation into the death of a woman found lying in the middle of the road this weekend continued this morning.
Police found Michelle R. Touart, 37, of Dearborn Avenue, on U.S. Route 422 south of Trumbull Avenue around 12:30 a.m. Sunday. When authorities arrived, they found Touart face up in the middle of the northbound lanes, wearing a shirt but no pants, and bleeding from the back of the head. Touart was identified when police found her ID with her name and picture in her purse, also found at the scene. Reports said her shoes were also near her body.
Members of the Girard Fire Department took Touart to St. Elizabeth Medical Center, where she later died.
No strong leads
Girard police Capt. Frank Bigowsky said police have no strong leads yet, but do think Touart was hit by a vehicle in the area where she was found.
"But there were no skid marks, no debris from a vehicle," he said.
Bigowsky said though the investigation continues in Trumbull County, the Mahoning County Coroner's office is also involved because Touart died in the St. Elizabeth trauma center.
A spokeswoman at the Mahoning County Coroner's office said no ruling has been issued in Touart's death, but said her body will be taken to Columbus for testing. Results from Columbus traditionally take several months, she said.
Anyone with information can call the Girard Police Department at (330) 545-3526.
slshaulis@vindy.com