Police identify dead body found in park

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A popular spot for kids with BMX bikes is now the focus of a suspicious death investigation. Park patrol discovered a woman's body on a bench in Duncan Park.

Austin police detectives said the body had obvious trauma. The discovery came around 7:30 a.m. Friday in the Downtown Austin park.

Friday afternoon, police released more information, and said they believe the victim's name is Valerie Louise Godoy, 34.

The site is in the 900 block of West Ninth Street at Lamar Boulevard, which is also along the Shoal Creek Trail. People nearby said it is normally low on crime.

"[I] just noticed the cop cars and that it was roped off over in that area," said Paul Warner, who works in the area. "I probably ride my bike down here three days a week. Probably the only time I've seen cops at this park."

"Someone knows something," said Cpl. Anthony Hipolito. "Please step forward. Do the right thing."

Each day at dinner time a food truck shows up in the area. Police interviewed some of the homeless who came for the food late on Friday.

KXAN also talked to some of those same homeless people. They said that a young woman who is homeless normally shows up each evening when the food truck arrives. Friday night, she was not there. They also said the last time they saw her was Thursday night and she was sitting on the curb at about 6:30 with a man whom they've never seen before.

Investigators would not elaborate on what clothes the woman had on or about any other details. They said there are no suspects or witnesses at this time, urging people to call the APD Tip Line at 512-477-3588.