Grisly Find at Scenic Middletown Falls: Homicide Victim

Hikers enjoying a trail leading to a bucolic waterfall just up from a 9-hole golf course made a grisly discovery Saturday afternoon after following a substance along the ground that appeared to be blood, according to Middletown Police.

Police say the body of a woman was found face down in the water under the bridge at Westfield Falls in a remote section of town off Miner Street, just up the road from the .

She is described as "most likely" Hispanic, ages 18 to 30 with a heart-shaped tattoo with the name "Melissa" on her left rear shoulder, according to police, with long brown hair, 5 foot 4 inches to 5 foot 6 inches in height and weighing 110 to 120 pounds.

Middletown Police are working with state police major crimes this evening for clues to the woman's identity and cause of death.

Just before 1 p.m., police said, hikers discovered the body, which had been dragged to the area, and alerted police.

Golf course owner Michael Streckfes was out near the entrance to the Miner Hills Cemetery Saturday, directing those stopping by to golf past the "road closed" signs at Smith Street. With the clear skies, strong sun and pleasant breeze, his course had enjoyed a huge number of golfers since the 9 a.m. opening.

Major crimes investigating a homicide just yards from the entrance of such a tranquil part of town was quite a juxtaposition.

Officials say the woman's body may have been in that spot for 24 to 48 hours and are asking anyone with information or who recognizes the description to call Middletown Police at (860) 344-3200.

For photographs of the falls, see here.

Earlier version:

are investigating the suspicious death of a woman found face down in a pool of blood near Westfield Falls Saturday at 1 p.m. after two hikers followed a trail of blood, according to NBC Connecticut and several other media reports.

The Hartford Courant is reporting that police have confirmed it was a homicide.

Major crimes is investigating the scene this afternoon. Police have shut down Miner Street at Sachem Drive off Country Club Road and at the entrance to .

The 100-foot-high Westfield Falls can be found on four acres of city-owned land, accessed by a short and rocky trail surrounded by hemlocks.

Check back with Middletown Patch for more information as it becomes available.