Body found on Florida 13 near Orangedale Nov. 5

By DANA TREEN/The Times-Union

A woman was found dead Monday on the side of Florida 13 in St. Johns County, and authorities now say she was reported missing by her husband Sunday in Jacksonville.

Maria E. Hernandez-Martinez, 51, left her Wandering Pines Trail home to go for a walk about 6 a.m. that day and never came back, her husband told police. Oscar G. Hernandez, 66, said he first checked the hospital and jail before reporting her missing about 2 p.m.

A crime scene investigator inspects the area on Florida 13 Monday where a woman's body was found by FDEP workers near Orangedale. The woman was identified as someone reported missing to Jacksonville authorities over the weekend. MARK PETTUS/My St. Johns Sun 

Workers for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agency were testing soil samples in the 4600 block of Florida 13 north when they discovered the partially clothed body about 15 feet off the remote road shoulder.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday but foul play is suspected, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. No suspects have been named. Anyone who thinks they may have information in the case can call the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at (904) 824-8304 or remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward by calling Crimes Stoppers at (888) 277-8477 (277-TIPS).