Sebring woman's body found on US 92 median in Lakeland

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An autopsy scheduled for Tuesday may help determine how 22 year-old Kara Hanvey died.

The mother of two from Sebring was found in the median along US 92 near Saddle Creek Park, just east of Lakeland early Sunday morning.

"This entire case was very confusing from the very beginning when it came in as a possible hit-and-run," said Carrie Horstman, spokeswoman for the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Hanvey had a broken leg, but investigators said there were no other indications that she was the victim of a hit-and-run.

"She doesn't have obvious trauma on her that would be related to being stuck by a car," said Hortsman.

Now detectives are considering the possibility that Hanvey may have been murdered.

One eyewitness told investigators that she saw Hanvey trying to wave down a passing car around 5:30 a.m. About an hour later, a man called 911 and told an operator that he passed what appeared to be a dead body.

"It looks like she has bruises on her face," the caller said.

"So, is she lying on her back?" the operator asked.

"Yeah, on her back with one leg up, head to the side, US 92, close to Reynolds Road," he explained.

Hanvey's personal belongings, including her cell phone, were found several hundred feet away from her body.

Detectives are hoping the autopsy helps them understand what happened.

The sheriff's office is looking for any witnesses who may have been in the area between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. They are also looking for any of Hanvey's acquaintances who have information on her whereabouts or activities on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Anyone with information is asked to call PCSO at 863-298-6200.