Police Receive Hundreds Of Tips In Jogger's Murder, But Ask For More

PRINCETON (CBS) -- They've gotten hundreds of tips, but not the one they need to catch her killer.

The Worcester District Attorney's office and Princeton Police Department are asking the public for even more help finding the person who took the life of Vanessa Marcotte, a day after State Police set up a tip line for information about her murder.

Tip Line: 508-453-7589

The 27-year-old New York City woman went for a run near her mother's home in Princeton, and later was found dead in the woods about a half-mile from her mother's house.

Sources told WBZ-TV that her body was found naked and burned. Police said it was the town's first homicide in three decades.

The fact that Marcotte's killer has still not been found has unsettled both the community and police. Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said the tips that have come in have provided good information, but said they still need more.

"We're still approaching this from every angle. We don't know if this was a random act," Early said Tuesday. "We're considering anyone and everyone who could have committed this crime."

Related: Community Holds Vigil For Marcotte

The DA was asked if there could be any connection to two incidents back in June in which female joggers fought off attackers in Westboro and Northboro. Early said he's not ruling anything out.

Local investigators also say they are not ruling out a connection between Marcotte's murder and the killing of a jogger in New York City. Investigators say the cases are similar.

A vigil was held for Marcotte Tuesday night at the First Congregational Church, where dozens of community members gathered to comfort each other during a time of sadness and fear.

"This is just unheard of," said resident Terri Bennett at the vigil. "Doesn't happen in Princeton. It's very, very disturbing."

Community members said they are continuing to be cautious by not walking or jogging alone.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports