South Carolina authorities have confirmed that the body found in a wooded area near Lakeside Middle School on June 17 was that of Elena Katherine Moore, a 39-year-old fitness trainer last seen on June 11. An autopsy conducted by the Lexington County Coroner's Office found no signs of physical trauma, including bruising, lacerations, gunshot wounds, stab wounds, blunt force trauma, or strangulation. The cause of death remains undetermined, pending toxicology results, microscopic tissue testing, and a review of Moore's medical records.
Moore was last seen at a Planet Fitness gym in Lexington around 6:40 p.m. on June 11. Surveillance footage showed her walking away from the gym toward a wooded area behind a nearby Lowe's Home Improvement store. A search effort involving drones and ground teams was launched, and Moore's body was discovered six days later after a tip led investigators to a new search area.
Prior to her disappearance, Moore had been released from a mental health facility, and friends reported that she had expressed fear for her life. A local couple also captured an interaction with Moore on their Ring camera, where she appeared confused and attempted to enter their home after picking up a DoorDash order. The couple later found her going through a neighbor's packages, and Moore reportedly stated she did not know what she was doing.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been assisting the Lexington Police Department in the investigation. Police Chief Terrence Green confirmed that the clothing found on the deceased matched what Moore was wearing before she vanished.