Authorities have announced the discovery of a body believed to be that of missing woman Patricia Portella-Wright off Mt. Rose Highway in Washoe County. The Placer County deputies made the grim discovery after Portella-Wright was reported missing on August 9th.

According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, the body was found "down a steep embankment" off of Mt. Rose Highway. The area has been cordoned off, leading to the closure of Mt. Rose Highway between Douglas Fir and Sunset Ridge due to ongoing police activity.

During their investigation, authorities identified Patricia Portella-Wright's boyfriend, Brent Clifford, as a person of interest in her disappearance. On August 14th, Clifford was apprehended in Portola and subsequently booked into the Placer County jail on a murder charge. The Placer County Sheriff's Office made the arrest, citing evidence gathered during their investigation.

In a development possibly linked to the case, Placer County deputies also discovered a red Chevy Blazer, which is wanted in connection with a separate Reno homicide investigation. Clifford is named as a suspect in the shooting of 68-year-old William F. Andrews on Keystone Avenue last Sunday.

Both the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Placer County Sheriff's Office are present at the scene, coordinating efforts to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body and the ongoing homicide case.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information related to Patricia Portella-Wright's disappearance or the Reno homicide case to come forward. The closure of Mt. Rose Highway is expected to last until the investigations are concluded, ensuring the thorough examination of the area and preservation of potential evidence.

Our news team is currently en route to the location to gather more details and provide updates on this developing story.