Medford Woman’s Death ‘Suspicious,' Body Found In Recycling Bin: DA

MEDFORD, MA — The Medford woman who was found dead Monday evening outside her home on Emery Street has been identified as 61-year-old Barbara Novaes, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Medford Chief of Police Jack Buckley confirmed.

Police were on scene at the home Monday as part of an active investigation. Part of the street was closed and the home was taped off.

According to Ryan, Novaes’ son called Medford police around 6:44 a.m. Monday morning to report her missing. He told police his mother had last been seen Sunday afternoon at her home and that he believed she had gone to get her nails done. He also reported that the door of the home was open and that he found her keys, phone, and purse. and her car was still in the driveway.

Following the report, Medford police immediately began investigating. At approximately 8:30 a.m., an officer located the body of Novaes in a recycling container under the porch behind her home.

"Although there were no obvious signs of trauma, based on the circumstances and the location of the body this is being investigated as a suspicious death,” Ryan said in a statement.

Police are asking anyone who saw something unusual in the area of Emery Street on Sunday or Monday to contact police at 781-395-1212. Investigators are also seeking any video from the area.