Wal-Mart employees found the body of Lauren Jessie Moss inside her silver Volkswagen Jetta on Feb. 3., according to television station KSBW in Salinas.
Moss was last seen leaving a rehabilitation center in nearby Seaside on Nov. 13. She was reported missing and a case was opened.
Police said the woman’s car had dark tinted windows and a sunshade covering the dashboard, which made it difficult to see inside the vehicle. The store’s security cameras only archive footage for 60 days, but video shows the car parked in the same spot since December.
Her car was investigated after a Walmart employee noticed the silver Jetta had been in the same spot for days.
Thornburg said she was considered a 'voluntary missing adult' because nothing indicated she had been involved in an argument or altercation before her disappearance.
The cause of death has not been determined, however the woman’s sister said she left a note and a drug needle was found inside the car.