As police in Queens search for the killer of a young runner, authorities in Massachusetts are investigating a similar case also involving a New York City resident this past weekend.
Investigators say Vanessa Marcotte, 27, was visiting family in the Boston area when she disappeared after going out for a walk.
Her body was discovered just before 8:30 p.m. Sunday in a heavily wooded area near her mother's home.
"I must stress that we do not know if this was a random act," said Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. "Investigation has focused on a time frame when Vanessa went out for a walk on Brooke Station Road and when her body was found. That time frame is between the hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. yesterday."
Officials say Marcotte was an account manager for Google and graduated from Boston University in 2011.
A Google spokesman issued the following statement:
"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."
Authorities stress the investigation is still in its early stages, but they have advised the public to be vigilant.
The medical examiner is working to determine the cause of death, although police already believe the case is a homicide.