DNA provides new lead in murder of NYC Google employee Vanessa Marcotte
PRINCETON, Massachusetts (WABC) -- Authorities have identified DNA of a person of interest in the case of Vanessa Marcotte, a New York City woman killed while jogging by her family's Princeton, Massachusetts home last August.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. announced on Thursday that they have not identified the person by name, but the DNA profile shows the person of interest is an athletic, light-skinned male and about 30 years old. He may be of Hispanic or Latino origin.
Investigators believe that Marcotte struggled with her killer and may have left "scratches, scrapes and/or bruises" on him.
Witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored SUV parked in the area around the time of Marcotte's murder.
Early said police have received over 1,300 tips in the case.
The 27-year-old was visiting her mother on August 7th when she went out for an afternoon jog and never returned.
Her body was found later that night in a wooded area about a half mile near her mother's home.
Marcotte was living in Manhattan and working as an account manager for Google.
PHOTOS: Police investigate murder of NYC woman in Massachusetts
Her murder came days after the murder of Karina Vetrano, who was also out jogging in Howard Beach, Queens when she was attacked.
Chanel Lewis was arrested in that case earlier this month. Investigators said his DNA was found on Vetrano's body.
Early said the DNA in the Marcotte case did not match Lewis.
Anyone with information is asked to call the dedicated tip line at 508-453-7589.
