Police Say 81-Year-Old Woman Found Murdered In Needham Apartment

An 81-year-old woman has been found dead in her Needham apartment and authorities are treating the death as a homicide.

Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said Thursday that Laura Shifrina was found late Wednesday night by her daughter suffering from what he called "sharp trauma."

She may have been dead for several days. An autopsy is planned.

The victim had lived in the public housing complex for elderly and disabled residents for about 15 years.

Her car was missing, but the Norfolk District Attorney's office reporting finding the red 2011 Ford Fiesta earlier today. Authorities have not disclosed where the car was located.

Police Chief John Schlittler says the last homicide in town was more than a decade ago.

With reporting from The Associated Press and WBUR's Newscast Unit