One week after a New York City woman was murdered, residents in Princeton, Massachusetts, honored her memory with a 5K run.
The body of Vanessa Marcotte was found in some woods off Brooks Station Road last Sunday evening, hours after she went for a jog.
About 200 people turned out for the run on Sunday, which started at 6 p.m. at the gazebo on the town common. The route traveled down the same road where Marcotte had been running on the day she was killed.
Organizers were hoping to keep the spotlight on the investigation.
"I thought this would be a fitting tribute to Vanessa to just go out for a run," said organizer Sean Doyle.
Many runners told necn that they didn't know Marcotte, but wanted to participate for her family, as well as runners in the community.
Some runners said that her death has had a chilling effect, with many afraid to now go out for a jog.
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"The loss of innocence was hard to take," said runner Kim Santucci.
Police said they've received more than 600 tips in the case and have narrowed down who they're looking for. Authorities said the killer is a man who likely has bruises and scratches from a struggle with the 27-year-old.
"Most homicides that are solved are solved within 48 hours," said James Alan Fox, a Criminologist with Northeastern University. "The longer it takes the less likely the prospects of solving a case like this is."
Police are hoping that if anyone has any information in the case, they will call the tip line at 508-453-7589.
