By Jim Hannah
The Cincinnati Enquirer

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. - The search for the killer of a 35-year-old Butler, Ky., woman continued Friday after her naked body was found in high weeds behind a central Kentucky motel earlier in the week.

Police said Lori Paynter was shot to death and her body had been dumped behind the Bluegrass Inn. The body had lost a lot of blood, leading detectives to conclude Mrs. Paynter's blood drained from her body while being transported to the location.

A motel guest found the body.

Her husband, Daniel Paynter, reported his wife missing Dec. 12 to Cincinnati police. Mrs. Paynter worked at Volunteers of America in Over-the-Rhine.

Her car was found parked on Court Street in Cincinnati after a missing persons report was filed with police. She was last seen on Dec. 11 leaving work.

According to Hamilton County court records, Mrs. Paynter told a co-worker and family member that on Dec. 6 her husband threatened to kill her. Cincinnati police arrested him Dec. 14 on a domestic violence charge; he was released the same day on a $2,500 bond. He has not been named as a suspect in his wife's death.

E-mail jhannah@enquirer.com