Body Of Newtown Teenager Found in Monroe Pond

The Newtown teenager found dead in the pond of a Monroe condominium complex was last known to have been at a party held in a condo close to where her body was found, Monroe police said Monday.

Newtown and Monroe police had gone to the Northbrook Condominium complex off of Route 25 on Sunday to interview residents and look for the girl when one of the officers spotted her body floating in the pond at about 11:30 a.m., Monroe Sgt. Keith White said. She had been reported missing to police earlier in the day.

Her body may have been in the pond for at least a day, officials said, adding she was dressed in dark clothing and that made it hard to spot her in the pond, which also was dark.

An autopsy was performed today. An official at the state medical examiner's office said the cause and manner of death are pending further study. Police also have declined to identify the girl except to say she was 17-years-old.

Friends of the girl have identified her as Danielle Jacobsen, of Tunnel Road. Family and friends filled the driveway of Danielle's home Monday to lend support to her mother and younger sister. A man who said he was a representative of the family said they were not ready to issue any comments, and asked for privacy.

Neighbors said Danielle and her family had moved into the home from New York state about three years ago and that her father had died a couple of years ago, just as the family was preparing to hold a Sweet 16 birthday party for Danielle. They said that in addition to her mother, she leaves behind a sister who attends Newtown Middle School.

Monroe police said Newtown police contacted them at about 9 a.m. Sunday to ask for help investigating the report of a missing person. The report had only been filed earlier that day, but the girl had gone missing since late Friday, early Saturday, White said.

Officers from both departments appeared at the Northbrook condominiums because she was last seen there at a house party, White said. One set of officers went to interview residents and another set began looking around the complex. Her body was found about a half hour later, White said.

There were no obvious signs of trauma to the body, police said.

On Sunday evening, friends created a tribute page on Facebook called "RIP -- Danielle J (our angel)."

"Danielle, you were the best friend (anyone) could ask for," the page's creator wrote on Facebook. "You could always make anyone laugh, you were always smiling, you were up for anything, and you would always be there if anyone needed you…You will always be our beautiful angel, watching from up above."

The page has since been removed.

Newtown High School plans to hold a moment of silence at about 8:15 a.m. Tuesday and will have support staff available to students, principal Chip Dumais said. A message also was sent to parents and staff, he said.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more information.