Medford Woman Sought Restraining Order Against Husband Before Death

MEDFORD, MA — The Medford woman who was found dead Monday evening outside her home on Emery Street sought a restraining order against her husband several weeks before her death, reported WCVB.

According to documents from Somerville District Court, the victim, identified as 61-year-old Barbara Novaes, requested a restraining order against her husband, who she planned to divorce, on May 9.

In the request, Novaes described a May 6 incident in which he came to the house multiple times after drinking and wouldn’t leave, reported WCVB. She said she had changed the locks and threatened to call the police.

The court did not issue the restraining order and it was ultimately withdrawn.

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

According to Middlesex District Attorney Marian 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.