Police find 81-year-old Needham homicide victim's car

NEEDHAM, Mass. — An 81-year-old woman who was found dead inside her Needham apartment Wednesday night appears to have died from “sharp trauma” and may have been dead for several days before she was found.

Friends say they knew something was wrong when they say Laura Shifrina didn't show up to the weekly meeting she attends every Wednesday morning.

“She did not appear, and it was suspicious. We started to call her, both numbers,” Shifrina’s friend Aleksandr Yufa said.

Investigators were called to the apartment at 146 Linden Street around 11 p.m. Wednesday night. Police said Shifrina’s daughter went to her apartment to perform a well-being check, and that’s when she found her mother’s body and called police.

“It's difficult to believe, she is not with us anymore,” Yufa said. “She is an excellent gorgeous lady.”

Police said the woman’s car, a red 2011 Ford Fiesta with Massachusetts plate 1BD712, was missing and asked for the public's help in locating it. The car was found midday Thursday in Boston at 1813 Dorchester Ave with a parking ticket on it. The vehicle was towed and brought to the Needham Police Department.

Police said there are a few neighbors who they are interested in speaking with, but did not elaborate.

Residents in the area said they were nervous when police swarmed the area Wednesday night. Neighbors said this level of violence is completely unheard.

"I've lived here for 5 1/2 years, and I've never seen anything like this," Jennifer Riley said. "I have lived in Needham my whole life. It's a very safe town to begin with."

Officials said parents of students who attend the nearby High Rock School are advised that law enforcement is not currently aware of any elevated danger in the area or reason to be concerned.

The investigation continues and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police.

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