RUSS, Bernadette Marie

Wickenburg (AZ) Sun Wednesday, May 2, 2001, p A-1 A woman's body found in early April southwest of Congress has been identified by Department of Public Safety criminologists as 36-year-old Bernadette Marie Russ of Peoria. Yavapai County Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating the case as a homicide, with the cause and or manner of Russ's death still under investigation. Russ was identified after YCSO detectives discovered she was reported missing to the Peoria Police Department by family members on March 17. Russ's body was found on April 2 near the Date Creek Ranch Road south of U.S. Highway 93 by a Las Vegas couple hiking in the area. The victim as last seen at her place of employment on Friday, March 16. She worked at the Executive Detailing Service in Phoenix, said authorities. A vehicle driven by Russ is still missing. The car is described as blue 1987 Chevrolet Beretta with faded paint on the trunk and roof. The vehicle may also have a "handicap" placard hanging from its rear view mirror. Anyone who may have had contact with Bernadette Russ on or before March 16 or who may have information about her visiting in Yavapai County is asked to contact YCSO Det. Theresa Kennedy at 520-771-3278. Persons wishing to remain anoymous can contact Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232.