GATINEAU, Que. - Police in western Quebec are investigating the slaying of a junior college student whose burned body was found in a wooded area.

Authorities are identifying the victim as Gatineau resident Valerie Leblanc.

An autopsy is to be conducted at the provincial crime lab in Montreal.

The 18-year-old was found Tuesday afternoon in Parc de la Gatineau, not far from the junior college she attended.

Police said her body bore marks of violence as well as burns.

They say they believe the slaying happened in the 24 hours leading up to the discovery.