Crime & Safety

Coventry Police ID Remains Of RI Woman Who Went Missing In 2017

Coventry police say the remains were identified as Heather Christine Boisvert, 26, who was reported missing to Providence police in 2017.

Detective Paul Pacheco said the new information was uncovered surrounding the human remains, which were originally found in 2023. The remains were identified as Heather Christine Boisvert, 26, who was reported missing to Providence police in August 2017.
Detective Paul Pacheco said the new information was uncovered surrounding the human remains, which were originally found in 2023. The remains were identified as Heather Christine Boisvert, 26, who was reported missing to Providence police in August 2017. (Rachel Nunes/Patch)

COVENTRY, RI — Coventry police revealed new information about why FBI agents, local detectives, and Rhode Island State Police unit were searching the woods off Eisenhower Street in December 2024.

Detective Paul Pacheco said the new information was uncovered surrounding the human remains, which were originally found in 2023. The remains were identified as Heather Christine Boisvert, 26, who was reported missing to Providence police in August 2017.

"We recognize the tremendous emotional weight that this discovery and identification carries for Heather's family," Pacheco said Wednesday in a news conference. "For over seven years now, they have been hoping for a better outcome."

Find out what's happening in Coventryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Pacheco said two people walking in the woods discovered Boisvert's remains on April 29, 2023. Investigators used DNA evidence and dental records to identify her.

As of Wednesday, Boisvert's death has not been ruled a homicide. But it is considered suspicious, because of the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and details from medical investigators.

Find out what's happening in Coventryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Our department will continue to work hard to provide answers for Heather's family," Pacheco said. "Prior to going missing, our understanding is that Heather frequented the following communities: the city of Providence, the city of Cranston, and the town of Coventry. Today, we're calling on the community for assistance on learning more about Heather. We are confident that there are people out there who have information related to who Heather was, her whereabouts prior to her going missing, and her interactions with others."

Anyone with information regarding Boisvert’s disappearance and death can anonymously call Coventry police at 401-822-9193 or email tips@coventrypd.org.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.

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