Stepsister of Miss USA Found Slain

A 24-year-old cabdriver, the stepsister of the current Miss USA, was shot to death and her body dumped in a field, authorities said today.

The body of Ana Maria Lima was found Thursday about two miles from her abandoned taxi, police said.

Appearing in McComb, Miss., Miss USA, Laura Martinez Herring of El Paso, said she planned to cut short her promotional tour and fly back to El Paso tonight.

Lima had been shot once in the chest and her body covered with brush, said Sgt. Russell Schmidt. He said that she was shot where her body was found and that it was believed the assailant then drove her cab into high grass and brush.

Ricky Kamins, general manager of the American Cab Co., said Lima was last heard from early Thursday when the dispatcher sent her to pick up a fare at a nightclub.

“I want something done. I want whoever did this found,” he said. “We’re all very, very upset here. She was a wonderful person. I don’t know anyone who didn’t like her. She was bubbly and full of life. She’ll be missed by a lot of people.”