WINONA — A group of people renting a recreational vehicle in Anoka County made a startling discovery after pulling off the road to investigate a foul odor.

Sheriff’s officials said the individuals rented the RV from a private party in Anoka Thursday. Authorities said they eventually pulled off the freeway in Winona to find the source of the smell and discovered a body lodged in a compartment of the RV that was accessible only from the outside.

The case is being investigated by Winona police and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.