During a press conference, officials with the Massachusetts State Police provided an update on the murder of 27-year-old Vanessa Marcotte.
Marcotte, who lives in New York City, was visiting family for the weekend when she went for a jog on Sunday. When Marcotte did not return home, her family notified police.
Her unclothed body was found hours later with apparent burns to her head, feet and hands, a source close to the investigation told WCVB.
Police would not comment on the condition of her body but said an autopsy was performed Tuesday morning. They believe Marcotte’s death is a homicide but the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined.
When asked about the similarities to the death of New York City jogger Karina Vetrano, who died last Tuesday and may have been sexually assaulted, police said they are not ruling out the possibility that the two are connected. However, Massachusetts State Police do not have any investigators in New York City, they said during the press conference.
Officials said it is still very early in the investigation.
Police said they have received “hundreds” of tips from the public about Marcotte’s death. They have set up a tip line and urge anyone with information to call 508-453-7589.