Escambia Sheriffs identify body found on Pensacola Blvd.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Todd Papajohn has spent the last month getting his business “Alternative Powersports” on Pensacola Boulevard up and running.

But nothing would prepare him for what he and his son would find in an empty lot behind their building.

Papajohn said they first got the idea that something was wrong when they noticed a horrible smell coming from the woods.

“I sent my son around to check it and he told me there was a body back there. We thought it was going to be an animal but it was a female body," said Papajohn. "She was decomposing, which was really hard to see. I think she was laying on her back. It was just really unbelievable to see that."

Papajohn immediately called authorities, who began investigating.

Escambia County Deputies say the victim, identified as Melisa Townsend, 35, was nude and the scene showed signs of foul play.

Papajohn said the body was found in the bushes right across the fence outlining his property. He says that image is still something he’s having trouble getting over.

He said he plans to add more lights and cameras to the outside of his building.

“Seeing something like this on TV is different, but when you see it in person, it’s heartfelt for everyone. Everybody was upset here and the employees couldn’t believe it. We just hope now we can create a safe environment around this building," Papajohn said.

Investigators say an autopsy is to be performed on Jan. 28 to determine cause of death.

If you have any information, contact the Escambia County Sheriff's Office or the Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers.