MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Wednesday that a murder investigation is underway after a St. Paul teen’s body was found last week in a Columbia Heights impound lot.

Authorities also confirmed the identity of the victim. Brittany Charise Clardy, 18, was found concealed inside the passenger compartment of a car on Feb. 21.

Note: Friends and family told WCCO-TV last week the victim was Clardy.

The sheriff’s office said it won’t release details about how Clardy died. However, her murder is being investigated by several agencies, including Brooklyn Park Police, Columbia Heights Police, and St. Paul Police.

Last week, authorities said the car Clardy was found in was towed on Feb. 13 from a Brooklyn Park apartment complex to the impound lot, located on the 3800 block of Central Avenue NE in Columbia Heights.

The tow truck driver did not notice Clardy in the car. It should be noted that it is not the practice of private towing companies to inventory a car when towing it. Also, this tow truck driver was working under a private arrangement – no law enforcement involved.

Friends of Clardy described her as an outgoing, caring and beautiful girl.

“She was a very friendly person,” said Taqoyia Wells, a friend. “Every time I saw her she had a smile on her face.”