IOWA CITY, Iowa —Police confirm they have found a body in the trunk of a car they had been searching for in connection with a missing Iowa State University student.

TONG SHAO

Tong Shao

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KCRG TV reports, police found the car late Friday night at the Dolphin Lake Point Enclave, an apartment complex along U.S. Highway 6 in Iowa City.

Iowa City police said almost immediately after finding the car, they knew something was wrong because of an odor coming from the trunk.  When they opened the trunk, they found a body inside.

Ames police asked for the public’s help in locating a car possibly driven by Tong Shao, 20, who has now been missing for nearly 20 days.

Police were looking for a beige, 1997 Toyota Camry, four door, with Kentucky plates 287 JDZ.

Police say Shao’s last contact was a message to friends saying she was in Iowa City, where she is believed to have been visiting a friend. Shao is a Chinese international student.

Police also say Shao was visiting a Chinese international student in Iowa City when she disappeared. He flew back to China due to a family emergency the day after her disappearance.

"He's a person of interest.  Certainly, we'd like to speak with him about what's taken place," said Iowa City police Lt. Mike Brotherton.  But Brotheron said authorities haven't been able to locate the man yet.

Residents of the apartment complex were shocked to hear the news.  "You never expect someone to be dead in their car, especially the way it was," said resident John Salmon.

Brotherton also said police believe the body had been in the trunk for “an extended period of time." 

Police expect to have more answers on Monday, and an autopsy is scheduled for Saturday. The Iowa State Daily reported that official autopsy results will not be released for four to six weeks.