UPDATE: Sheriff says body discovered in Belmont cornfield tentatively ID’d

By Brandi Makuski

Portage Co. law enforcement say they believe they know the identity of the body discovered in Belmont on Wednesday.

Sheriff Mike Lukas on Thursday said it was “an observant farm worker” who located a decomposing body that had been in a cornfield near 15th Rd. and Lein Rd. “for some time” at about 3 p.m. on Sept. 21.

The Portage County Medical Examiner was also called to the scene and will help identify the person and provide some other details, but Lukas said at present, deputies are investigating it as a suspicious death.

Lukas said during the course of the investigation, and with assistance from the Portage Co. Medical Examiner’s office and Wisconsin State Crime Lab, deputies believe they know the identity of the deceased person but “will be awaiting confirmation through DNA results.”

“At this time, it appears to be an isolated incident and the public is not at any risk,” Lukas said.

Anyone with information should contact the PCSO at 715-346-1400, or submit an anonymous tip via the P3 smartphone app.