Missing woman Amy Paul, whose body was discovered in a hay field on Tuesday, is Ottawa's eighth homicide victim of 2013, police confirm.

The body of Amy Paul, 27, was discovered in a farmer's field Tuesday morning. She had been reported missing Sept. 9. (Facebook)

Paul's mother filed the missing person's report with Ottawa police on Sept. 9. She said Paul, 27, hadn't been seen or heard from since Sept. 3.

No media release was sent out about Paul's disappearance, police confirm.

It's up to the missing persons investigator to determine whether a media release should be issued. If there are active leads, for example, an investigator may decide not to issue a release, a police spokesman said.

Paul was known to frequent the Lowertown, Overbrook and Vanier neighbourhoods, her family said in a Facebook page. Relatives told CBC News Paul worked in the sex trade.

An autopsy to determine how she died was held today. Police are not yet releasing any information about the cause of Paul's death.

Grid searches continue

The "Help Find Amy Paul" Facebook page was updated early Wednesday morning with the news of her death.

"It is with sad regret I have to inform you that Amy has passed away..." the post said. "Our prayers and thoughts are with her parents, brother, sister, daughter, nieces and nephew. May Amy rest in peace."

Ottawa police are conducting grid searches of the rural area where Amy Paul's body was discovered Tuesday. (Kristy Kirkup/CBC)

A farmer using a tractor in his field discovered Paul's body Tuesday morning and called police. The field sits along the 2900-block of Nixon Road.

Grid searches of the area in which she was found resumed Wednesday morning.

The major crimes unit is leading the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call 613-236-1222, ext. 5493, or phone Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477(TIPS) — toll free at 1-800-222-8477.