The body of Vanessa Marcotte was reportedly discovered naked and burned in a wooded area of Massachusetts, US, on Sunday night.
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An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of her death.
She said to be known as a member of the Google team with an “ubiquitous smile”.
Google, based in Mountain View, California, said it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by Marcotte’s killing.
A official close to the investigation, but speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Boston Globe the force was investigating the possibility Marcotte had been sexually assaulted, and she had suffered burns to her feet, hands, and face.
“We do not know if this is a random act”, a Worcester County DA tells WCVB, calling the circumstances of her death “horrific”, per Mass Live.
A state police K-9 unit found the woman’s body later that evening.
The first killing happened in the New York City borough of Queens on August 2, when Karina Vetrano, 30, was strangled to death while out for a jog along a path she often ran with her father.
Marcotte worked as an account manager for Google in Manhattan.
Anyone that was near the scene of the incident is asked to call the Massachusetts State Police tip line at 508-453-7589.
“We are concerned about the safety of our town residents and visitors that enter our town”, Princeton Police Chief Michele Powers said.
Marcotte grew up in nearby Leominster, attended the Bancroft School in Worcester and graduated from Boston University in 2011.
Early said he met with Marcotte’s family Tuesday.
Residents of a central MA town will hold a candlelight vigil to honor a New York City woman who was slain while visiting her mother.
Early declined to talk about whether police have any suspects or the manner in which Marcotte was killed.
This is the first homicide in Princeton in almost 30 years, according to the police chief.
Authorities repeatedly urged the public to use caution and report any suspicious activity.
He said his daughter was highly dedicated to her job as an accounts manager for Google in NY, where she was excited to work for a new manager.
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The investigation is focusing on a timeline between 1 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Early said. “They’re in our thoughts and prayers”, Riley said.
