A person of interest is being sought after an elderly woman was found dead in St. Joseph Friday morning.

The St. Joseph Police Dept. said Friday just after 11:30 a.m. Buchanan County EMS responded to 108 E Highland Ave. in reference to an unattended death. There they reportedly found an 81-year-old woman with visible signs of trauma.

“Responding officer’s secured the scene and requested the St. Joseph Police Crime Scene unit for crime scene processing,” said Commander Eric Protzman. “A search warrant was obtained and the Crime Scene Unit remains on scene as of this time collecting evidence.”

Police said the scene is being treated as a homicide and a person of interest has been developed.

Detectives are wanting to speak with 40-year-old Michael Ray Courter. He is described as being 5’ 6” in height, 230 lbs with green eyes and red hair.

Police said the deceased vehicle is missing from the residence and it is believed that Courter is in possession of the vehicle. The vehicle is a 2004 Mitsubishi utility style vehicle, blue in color, Missouri license number UC5N7M.

Anyone with information regarding the vehicle or Courter is asked to call the St. Joseph Missouri Communications Center at 816 271 4777 or the Tips Hotline (816) 238-TIPS.