A body found in a Vacaville, California park has been identified as that of 50-year old Sandra Coke, a woman who has been missing since August 4th.

Coke, an investigator for the Federal Public Defender’s office, was last seen the night of the 4th when she left her home to talk to someone about her family dog, which was missing. She told her 15-year old daughter she would be back shortly, but never returned. Authorities say they are concerned about her possible involvement with violent sexual offender Randy Alana, who dated Coke years ago and recently came back into her life. Alana has convictions for rape and kidnapping included in his criminal history but has not been arrested yet as police continue their investigation. He is, however, being held on unrelated parole violations and is considered a “person of interest”.

Coke’s car was found the day after she disappeared, abandoned at the 800 block of 32nd Street in Oakland. One of her two cell phones was found in Richmond, tossed out along the highway. Shortly after that, a search team discovered a body in a rural area near Lagoon Valley Park.

Authorities have not released information about the manner in which Coke was killed or how she was found, as they don’t want to give too much away to the public just yet. Her family issued a statement after it was confirmed that she was the victim, saying, “The Coke family is devastated by the loss of our beloved Sandra. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister and auntie, and a shining light in our family; her good cheer, easy laugh and generous hugs will be missed. Those of us who were privileged to know Sandra will remember her as an unusually kind, generous and big-hearted person. She passionately devoted her professional life to helping the poor and those who endured difficult childhoods. All of us will miss Sandra’s beautiful, giving spirit.”

The family has set up a fund for Coke’s daughter; to donate, visit http://sandracokefund.org.