The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says a homicide investigation has been launched into the death of Patricia Rice.

Her body was found last week in a marsh area off a walking trail in Paradise.

Rice, 53, was last seen in the area of Tim Horton's on Topsail Road in Paradise early on the morning of July 24.

Her body was discovered in the same area, shortly before 4:30 p.m. the next day.

The RNC's Major Crime Unit, the province's chief medical examiner and members of the Rovers Ground Search and Rescue team combed the area following the discovery.