Police identify north-central Columbia suspicious death victim

Police have identified the woman allegedly killed by a roommate and hidden in a garage closet before police found her at the north-central Columbia residence Monday.

Patricia Kelly, 59, was found in the closet by officers after they conducted a search of the residence in the 1700 block of High Quest Drive. Kelly's legs were bound and she was discovered with blunt force trauma underneath a bloody rug and wheelchair, according to court documents.

Kelly's injuries were consistent with a bloody claw hammer found in a trash bag in the backyard of the residence by investigators, court documents stated. Injuries were severe enough that authorities needed more time to make a definitive identification.

More:Details emerge in suspicious north-central Columbia death as suspect appears in court

The department extended condolences to Kelly's family and acknowledged those who helped in the identification.

Adam Conner, 37, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. A initial hearing was held this week. A bond hearing is scheduled Wednesday. Conner is being held without bond in the Boone County Jail.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Columbia police identify suspicious death victim