Woman's Body Found in Glen Ellyn Park Was Stabbed 34 Times

The woman whose body was found buried in a shallow grave Saturday afternoon in a Glen Ellyn park was stabbed about 34 times, a law enforcement source told the Daily Herald.

Authorities have taken one man into custody for questioning in the death of Linda Valez, 33, of Wheaton, a Glen Ellyn police news release from Monday said. Valez was last seen Sept. 24.

"While an official cause of death has not been determined by the DuPage County Coroner, there is evidence that Valez was stabbed," the release said. "It is not believed that this was a random attack, and there is no evidence to suggest that there is a threat to the public."

Police called the case a homicide investigation in the release. A Valez relative said that Valez knew the man being questioned.

The relative told Patch that police have video from sometime last week of Valez and the man leaving a Glen Ellyn McDonald's, located on the 400 block of Roosevelt Road. Margaret Burau, a friend of Valez's, said that Valez started working at that McDonald's within the past two weeks.

The man was seen later at Panfish Park where Valez was found. He acknowledged to police that he was in the area, the Daily Herald reports.

The relative said a vigil with friends and family was held for Valez at the park early Sunday evening.

Investigators continue to pursue leads in the case, the release said.

Original post:

Glen Ellyn police announced Sunday night that the body of a Wheaton woman missing since Sept. 24 was discovered in Panfish Park late Saturday afternoon.

The deceased, Linda Valez, 33, was found buried in a clearing in a wooded area of the park, which is located off of Park Boulevard just south of Roosevelt Road.

"The victim showed obvious signs of trauma," according to a press release from Glen Ellyn Police. 

"(T)here is no evidence to suggest there is a threat to the public," according to the release. 

Glen Ellyn police had been patrolling the parks and wooded areas in the village searching for Valez all day Saturday. 

"While on a foot patrol in Panfish Park, a police officer discovered some locations he determined to be suspicious," according to the press release. "His observations were based upon the foot traffic and activity that appeared to have occurred in this forested area of the park."

The DuPage County Sheriff's Office evidence team and the Wheaton police were called to assist in the investigation. DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force, which includes investigators from agencies throughout DuPage County, also was activated.

No further information was available Sunday night.