IOWA CITY — Police searching for a missing Iowa State University student from China found a body in the trunk of a car that had been linked to her and said Saturday that they believe a possible suspect in the case has already left the country.

An autopsy was being performed Saturday, but police declined to comment on whether they believe the body belonged to Tong Shao, 20, who was last heard from Sept 8.

Police did say they believe the body in the car was a victim of homicide.

On Friday, police found a car they earlier had said was connected with Shao, a junior chemical engineering. Investigators then found a body in the trunk.

By Saturday afternoon, an Iowa City police spokesman said investigators had a person of interest in the case, but declined to name the person.

Police do believe that person has gone back to China, Sgt. Scott Gaarde said.

It's unclear how local authorities will proceed if the person of interest is in China, Gaarde said.