NYC Woman Visiting Her Mother In Massachusetts Is Found Slain In Woods

Investigators say a New York City woman who disappeared on a walk while visiting her mother in Massachusetts has been found slain in the woods.

Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said Monday that 27-year-old Vanessa Marcotte was reported missing after failing to return from a Sunday afternoon walk in Princeton.

Her body was found Sunday night by a state police canine unit about a half-mile from her mother's home. Authorities say her death appears to be a homicide. An autopsy is scheduled.

"People should be concerned," DA Early said during a Monday afternoon press conference.

Princeton Police Chief Michele Powers urged town residents to remain vigilant.

"We are concerned about the safety of our town residents and the visitors that enter our town," Powers said during the press conference. "We would ask people to pay attention to their surroundings. If you see anything suspicious or out of place, please contact the Princeton Police Department or the Massachusetts State Police."

No other details were immediately released.

The rural town of Princeton has about 3,500 residents and is 40 miles west of Boston.

Early says Marcotte grew up in nearby Leominster.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom