JACKSON – The identity of a female found dead early Monday morning along I-95 in Northampton County has been verified.

Northampton Sheriff Wardie Vincent said an autopsy performed Tuesday at Nash General Hospital in Rocky Mount positively identified the woman as Sherri Cox of Roanoke Rapids. The medical report listed the possible cause of death as trauma caused as a result of being struck by a vehicle.

Her age and address was unknown, however, Sheriff Vincent estimated she was in her late 30’s.

Other unknowns are present in this case as it remains a mystery if Cox was alive or dead when a vehicle apparently struck her. If she was struck and killed, that would lead to charges of felony hit-and-run as well as vehicular manslaughter.

&uot;That remains under investigation by this department as well as the (North Carolina) Highway Patrol,&uot; said Vincent.

The Sheriff did confirm that the body had been in the area it was found – on the southbound shoulder of the interstate near the North Carolina Welcome Center – for approximately three hours.

&uot;We estimated that time frame based on the discoloration of the body and the clothing she wore,&uot; he stated.

Vincent also confirmed there were visible signs of lacerations to her head and upper torso when deputies arrived at the scene shortly before 7 a.m. on Monday.

The Sheriff said a family member had been contacted concerning Cox’s death.

&uot;They have no idea of why she would be on I-95 at that time of the morning,&uot; he revealed. &uot;That’s the information we need to help bring some closure to this case. We don’t know if she was by herself or if someone put her out on the interstate.&uot;

Vincent urged anyone with information concerning this case to contact the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office (534-2611) or the nearest law enforcement agency.