FORT CALHOUN, Neb. -- Authorities in Washington County are investigating what is now being called a homicide.

On Monday morning, the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an unattended death in the Fort Calhoun area just north of Fort Calhoun High School.

The victim was identified as 71-year-old Linda Childers of Fort Calhoun.

Detectives determined Childers’ death was the result of a homicide, though no further details on the cause of her death were released. The Douglas County Crime Lab processed the scene.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating Childers’ vehicle, which was reportedly taken at the time of the murder. The vehicle is described as a burgundy 2010 Chevrolet Equinox with Nebraska license plate 29-K826.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sgt. Brian Beckman at 402-426-6866.