BRANFORD, Conn. — Update as of July 16 at 3:04 p.m.
East Haven police have confirmed that the body they found yesterday outside a Branford restaurant was the missing mother they have been searching for.
Police said the body of 27-year-old Lizzbeth Aleman-Popoca was found in a “shallow grave” behind LoMonaco's Ristorante Italiano in Branford Wednesday evening.
According to police, the manner and cause of death have not yet been determined.
Aleman-Popoca's husband had worked at the restaurant which had been closed for a week.
The missing mother has not been seen or heard from since at least July 1.
An initial missing persons report was filed by Aleman-Popoca's husband, father, and sister, according to police.
Officials said Aleman-Popocas' husband stated he received a phone call from their 7-year-old daughter while he was at work telling him that her mother was not home when she woke up.
When he arrived at the house, he found their daughter home alone but all of Aleman-Popoca's things were still at the house, he said to police.
Aleman-Popoca's disappearance was treated as suspicious and police believed foul play was a factor.
If anyone has information they are asked to call East Haven police at Captain Joseph Murgo at 203-468-3824 or email jmurgo@easthavenpolice.com.
According to officials, this is a very 'interesting and complex' case.
The FBI, Connecticut State Police, East Haven PD and Branford PD are collaborating on the case.
Update as of July 16 at 8:53 a.m.
Major developments are expected to be released today after a body was found in a shallow grave behind LoMonaco's Ristorante in Branford.
A source with knowledge of the investigation says the husband of a missing East Haven woman had been employed by the restaurant, which had been closed recently for approximately a week.
Police have not issued an official release at this time but are expected to provide an update later today following an autopsy.
The original story is below.
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Police gathered in Branford on West Main Street behind a local restaurant Wednesday evening. The back of the LoMonaco's Ristorante Italiano blocked off by police.
The East Haven Police confirmed Wednesday night the investigation of 27-year-old Lizzbeth Aleman Popoca had led them to the restaurant. Officers said they arrived at the restaurant to find "disturbed dirt " in the area behind a dumpster. It was soon determined to be a shallow grave with human remains.
The body has not been identified and an autopsy will be conducted Thursday to reveal more details. Police did not say if the remains were male or female.
This comes a day after police asked the public's help for 27-year-old Lizzbeth Aleman Popoca, who was last seen on July 1.
Police said they could only release preliminary information Wednesday night but will release more Thursday.
This is a developing story.