Newport Beach Police scoured half a dozen blocks along the waterline Monday searching for clues after the body of a woman was found face-down in the sand.
The body was discovered at about 6:30 a.m. near Highland Street (map). Aerial video showed the location near a lifeguard tower.
The woman's identity and cause of death were not immediately available. Detectives and coroner's officials were at the scene near Tower No. 71 Monday morning.
It was not immediately clear whether the woman in her 20s had been in the water, according to Newport Beach police. She was found face-down in the sand.
"She was between the water line and the tower, so depending on the tide we're trying to determine if she had been in the water prior," said Kathy Lowe, of the Newport Beach Police Department.
Investigators are checking security cameras and vehicles parked near the beach.
A trio of memorial candles had been left in the sand near the scene, said Bob Donnell, neighbor. The candles have since been confiscated by investigators.
Residents described the neighborhood as "not a violent, criminal-prone area."
Call 949-644-3797 with information about the case.