PHOENIX — After reports Sunday morning of a car stopped on the left side of southbound Loop 101, a woman was found unresponsive in the car with a rope around her neck and later pronounced dead, the Department of Public Safety said.
The woman was identified as 29-year-old Stella W. Kiarie. She was an employee of the Arizona Department of Health Services where she worked with refugees.
Officials said Monday that after seeing there was a car seat in the woman's car, detectives went to her house because they were concerned about the whereabouts of the child. Detectives found a 1-year-old baby boy alone at the house.
The Arizona Department of Child Safety responded and took over care for the child.
DHS also released a statement Monday confirming Kiarie's death:
All of Stella's colleagues at Arizona Department of Health Services were saddened by this news and this devastating loss. Stella was a kind, compassionate and important member of this team. Our deepest condolences are with her family and friends at this difficult time.
DPS says the HOV and two other lanes were closed four hours as the scene was under investigation.
No other details were released about the woman's death. It is uncertain if it is being investigated as a suicide or homicide.
The incident remains under investigation.
