A Lake Charles man has been charged with second-degree murder after the body of a missing 72-year-old woman was found in a parked car in the Prien Lake Mall parking lot.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kayla Vincent said Sheila Ortego was reported missing Sunday afternoon. Family members said they had not seen her in about a month.

On Monday, detectives located Ortega’s SUV in the mall parking lot and her body was found inside.

An acquaintance of Ortega’s — 41-year-old Christopher T. Cater — was named as a person of interest and located at a nearby business.

“When detectives spoke with Cater he advised deputies he killed Ortega approximately one month ago,” Vincent said. “Cater also admitted to detectives to opening several loans using Ortega’s information, after her death.”

Cater was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with second-degree murder; unlawful disposal of human remains; and identity theft. His bond is still pending.

“We have seen some strange cases here in Calcasieu Parish, but this case is definitely an unusual one for us. We have never seen someone drive around with a dead body in the SUV for 30 days,” said Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso.  “My prayers go out to the family and friends of Mrs. Sheila, this is a senseless and inhumane tragedy.  The body has been sent off for further testing and to determine the cause of death.  The investigation is continuing.”