Coroner identifies remains found in U-Haul van

Indianapolis Metro Police are investigating after a body was found dead inside of a tote in a rental truck on Wednesday.

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - The U-Haul agency at S. East St. and Hanna Ave. sees trucks and vans dropped off all day, but what brought police to the lot Wednesday afternoon wasn't typical at all.

The Marion County Coroner's Office has identified the remains as 26-year-old Alyssa Sanderfer of Indianapolis. The coroner's office says cause of Sanderfer's death is pending toxicology and histology reports.

"I never dreamed it was the same place that we were dropping a U-Haul at," said Christina Chaney. "This is just crazy."

Police say company employees who opened the van to inventory it made the discovery. They initially thought it was a baby.

When that report got out, a young mother who once lost a baby came to the scene clutching a bunch of yellow flowers.

"For the little one that was lost," said Janet Chergou. "You know it's sad. There's more options out there."

But three hours later that changed. After carefully logging evidence, police got their first good look at the remains. They determined the victim was a small adult.

We talked to people dropping off rentals Wednesday evening.

"That's awful," said Brian Cromwell. " That's really awful. Who would do something like that?"

Police are now trying to figure that out. There are indications the van may not actually have been returned but may have been found somewhere else then brought to business on East St. There were a number of personal effects left in the back.

"I sure hope they figure out what happened and find closure for the family," said Chaney. "Very sad."