Canton woman found naked, burned in Muskingum County dies

ZAINESVILLE, Ohio - The Canton woman discovered naked and badly burned on a Muskingum County road has died, the sheriff’s office said.

At about 2:22 p.m. Tuesday, Columbus University Hospital told the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office that the victim passed away. The sheriff’s office identified the woman as 29-year-old Celeste E. Fronsman, of the Canton area.

Sheriff Matthew Lutz said the woman was spotted by a driver at the intersection of state Route 208 and Steel Hill Road at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Not only did she suffer fourth-degree burns on most of her body, but there was a rope around her neck.

"This was one of the most gruesome things I've seen in 23 years in law enforcement," Lutz said. He added that “this was not a random act.”

An autopsy will be performed and the case is still under investigation by the sheriff's office.

Canton police towed a vehicle of interest from Dueber Avenue, which belongs to the victim’s father. He told NewsChannel5 he last saw his daughter Friday morning. Deputies are also looking for people of interest, who may have more information related to the case.

Anyone with information should call the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office at 740-452-3637.