Police: woman found dead, 'close relative' arrested at coffee shop nearby

WORCESTER, Mass. — A concerned caller led Worcester police to a woman’s bludgeoned body inside a home and then to the alleged attacker hanging out at a Dunkin’ Donuts nearby Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who police say is a close relative of the victim, is now facing charges in connection to her death.

“It’s a horrible thing,” neighbor Janette Anas told Boston 25 News.

The victim, described as a 56-year-old single mother of five, was found dead by detectives in a home Sunday after walking in through an unlocked front door.

Police would only identify the 26-year-old suspect as a “close relative” of the woman, who sources say appears to have been beaten with some type of object.

Authorities aren’t saying where her adult children were when it happened or where they are now.

Police say a concerned caller who knew the family led investigators to the grisly find.

The suspect, who faces charges of aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault and battery, was found standing outside a Dunkin’ Donuts about four miles away from the home where the body was found.

What exactly unfolded inside the home and any potential motive are still unclear.

Police said they were calling the investigation a suspicious death Sunday and have not classified the case as a murder.

Authorities say they’re waiting on an autopsy to reveal more answers, including a cause of death.

MORE: Police: Woman killed by close relative in Worcester

Cox Media Group