LAWRENCE — The Douglas County Sheriff’s office said this afternoon that the body of a woman found in Clinton Lake is that of a woman who has been missing more than six years. By using dental records, the Douglas County coroner has identified the body as that of Lesley Smith, Sheriff’s Sgt. Steve Lewis said. Smith is was formerly from Ottawa until she moved to Lawrence. Lewis said Smith died as a result of drowning; no foul play is suspected. Her car was found because Kansas Wildlife and Parks officers were using a new side-scan sonar to scan the bottom of Clinton Lake, he said. The sonar identified several objects thought to be vehicles and the officers asked the sheriff’s Underwater Search and Recovery Ream to help remove the vehicles. Smith’s vehicle was the second vehicle the team had removed that day and her body was found inside it, Lewis said. She had been reported missing from her home in January 2004.
Thursday, Sept. 23, 3 p.m.
