woman found nude in dumpster recovering in hospital; no foul play suspected

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VESTAVIA HILLS, Alabama - A Vestavia Hills woman remained hospitalized Monday after she was found naked in a dumpster off Blue Lake Drive near U.S. Highway 280 Friday night.

The 45-year-old woman is in stable condition at UAB Hospital. Police said their investigation so far does not suggest foul play.

The woman, whose name police said they won't release, was reported missing Friday about 5:45 p.m. said Vestavia Hills police spokesman Lt. Brian Gilham. The last contact with her was two hours earlier - at 3:30 p.m. - and she had missed some appointments that wouldn't ordinarily be missed.

Birmingham police were called to the scene in the 3500 block of Blue Lake Drive on a report of a running vehicle with no one inside. The vehicle was outside of an office building near the Colonnade.

The officer searched, but couldn't find who the car belonged to. After running the tag, police learned the woman had been reported missing and notified Vestavia Hills police.

Vestavia police brought out a tracking dog. Eventually an officer looked in a dumpster, and found the woman inside. It was about 9 p.m., and she was conscious.

Gilham said the woman was able to answer some of their questions. Police expect to interview her again today.

"There are still a lot of unanswered questions,'' Gilham said. "But we haven't received any information that substantiates foul play or for the public to be concerned foul play was involved."

Gilham said they would have to subpoena hospital records to get more information. He said he couldn't elaborate the nature of any possible injuries or illnesses.

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