The body of a female discovered Tuesday in a Pendleton hotel room has led to a homicide investigation, Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus said Wednesday morning. This is the first homicide this year in Pendleton.

Primus also said he plans to release the identity of the victim later today.

The manager of Travelodge, 411 S.E. Dorion Ave., across the street from the Pendleton City Hall and Vert Auditorium, told police at 3:19 p.m. Tuesday there was a dead or unconscious female the bathroom in Room 231, according to the Pendleton police activity log. Soon after, Primus said, members of the local major crimes team were investigating.

The cause of death was difficult to determine, Primus said, and an Oregon State Police medical examiner might perform an autopsy later today. He said two detectives from the local major crimes team would be there when that happens.

Contact Phil Wright at pwright@eastoregonian.com or 541-966-0833.