Officers are searching for answers after a college student was found dead in northern Mississippi.

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During a routine patrol Saturday in Harmontown, Mississippi, deputies found the body of a white woman.

Investigators told WHBQ-TV that it's apparent that foul play was involved.

Deputies with the LaFayette County Sheriff’s Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab are actively working the case alongside the University of Mississippi and Oxford police departments.

Officials have identified the woman as Alexandria ‘Ally’ Kostial, 21, of St. Louis, Missouri.

Agents are investigating several leads. The Sheriff’s Department said it will not be releasing any additional information.

Kostial was working toward a bachelor’s degree in marketing in the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi.

The university released the following statement:

“We are truly saddened by the death of Alexandria Kostial. Ally was a valued member of our campus community. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family, friends, and classmates and stand ready to support them during this time. We appreciate the work of the Lafayette County Sherriff's Department and Coroner as they conduct their investigation.”

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Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com