Watch CBS News

Cause Of Death Of Missing Kent Island Woman Remains A Mystery

STEVENSVILLE, Md. (WJZ)—A missing Kent Island woman found dead. Now police are trying to figure out how Robin Pope died.

Adam May reports the mystery deepens in Kent Island.

Now that 51-year-old Robin Pope's body has been discovered, police are trying to determine if a crime occurred or if this was an accident.

Yellow ribbons line the road.

Waves roll up to roses placed on the beach near the Stevensville home of Pope-- a mother of two whose body was found Saturday floating in the water about a mile and half away.

"The primary question for investigators: was there a crime and if so, whose responsible for the crime?" said Greg Shipley, Maryland State Police.

Pope was reported missing by her soon-to-be ex husband Wayne three weeks ago.

He said Pope was picking up belongings. When he came home she was gone, her vehicle in the driveway.

Adding to the mystery was Pope's Great Dane was later found dead along the beach with no signs of trauma.

"It's really frightening. It's so local. It's just very disheartening," said Jane McGrath, neighbor.

Neighbors fear Pope was murdered, her body thrown in the water.

But police are also examining the possibility that she fell in the water and drowned.

"There was some decomposition so they will be conducting a variety of tests to determine the cause and manner of death," Shipley said.

Without those answers, neighbors who organized searches and vigils are on edge.

"Keeping our home and cars locked at night," said Bill Riggs.

The bizarre circumstances surrounding the disappearance are now getting the attention of national media.

Determining the cause of death could take days.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.