Human remains found this week were identified Oct. 26 as those of 24-year-old Joliet woman Ashley Tucker, who was last seen on Oct. 13.
The remains later identified as Tucker, who was last seen Oct. 13, was found after the investigation into her disappearance led detectives to an area in the 3500 block of State Street in Lockport Township.
She was pronounced dead at 11:08 p.m. on Oct. 24.
Tucker’s body was found in a burned barrel with “severe thermal damage,” according to the Will County Coroner’s office. Her body was identified by tattoo comparison.
Her death was classified as a homicide.
Peter Zabala, who is believed to be the last person to see her before her disappearance, is in police custody in connection with her death.
Zabala had an active Will County warrant for failing to comply with the sex offender registration act.