She was a New York City-based Google employee home in Princeton, Massachusetts for the weekend, just over an hour west of Boston.
On Sunday, August 7th, Vanessa Marcotte went out for a jog around 1 p.m., but when she didn’t return three hours later, her family called the police.
Marcotte’s body was located in the woods around 8:20 p.m, a half mile from her mother’s home. Several reports state that the 27-year-old was partially buried with burns to the hands, face and feet.
“We have a horrible set of facts, a horrible circumstance here right now,” Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr said, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
“A preliminary review of the body has led the detectives to believe that this is a homicide investigation. I must stress that we do not know if this is a random act. We’re asking the residents of Princeton to use an abundance of caution.”
Marcotte was a 2011 graduate of Boston University and was an avid runner, according to the Telegram & Gazette.
Google released a statement upon learning the news, according to CBS Boston.
“Vanessa Marcotte was a much loved member of the Google team, working in our New York office for the last year and a half, and known for her ubiquitous smile, passion for volunteer work, and love of Boston sports.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened, and our thoughts are with her family and friends.” We are deeply shocked and saddened, and our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
She is the second victim this summer to be attacked and killed while jogging in broad daylight.
Last week, Karina Vetrano was strangled to death while running in Queen, New York. Police believe the 30-year-old was also sexually assaulted before being killed.
Authorities are asking the public to contact 508-453-7589 with any information related to Marcotte’s death.
