The woman succumbed to her injuries at the Maricopa Burn Center in Phoenix last night. She was identified as Valerie Sue Bellemare (DOB 07/05/69).
On September 24, 2014, at approximately 11:55 AM, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department received a report about a person on fire in the flood control drainage culvert at the intersection of Palo Verde Road and 37th Street. Upon arrival, deputies found a woman with severe burns.
The Rural Metro Fire Department also responded and facilitated a technical rescue hoisting her out of the culvert using a stokes basket. The victim was then transported to University of Arizona Medical Center.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Robbery/Assault, Homicide and Arson Units took over the investigation due to the suspicious circumstances.
According to a recent update, the female victim has been airlifted to the Maricopa Burn Center in Phoenix. Detectives have been unable to identify her at this time. The investigation of the incident continues.
Anyone with information in this matter is urged to call 9-1-1 or 88-CRIME.