MONTELLO — A week after their investigation started, Elko County sheriff’s detectives released a statement regarding a Montello woman found dead March 20 northwest of the town.

According to detective Cpl. Jim Carpenter, deputies and detectives were called to Montello where they found the body of Sarah Gallagher, 34, in a field. It is believed Gallagher died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot.

Carpenter said detectives have talked with several people in Montello and the surrounding area about Gallagher and her last known location.

Gallagher’s body has been sent to the Washoe County Medical Examiner for examination to help determine details surrounding the cause of death.

Carpenter said he didn’t release the information until Monday because the investigation was ongoing with people not yet interviewed, and he wanted to “make sure the information we release is thorough and accurate.”