D.A.: Princeton murder suspect likely suffered injuries during struggle

BOSTON -- (WBZ) -- Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early said during a Thursday press conference that there was a struggle leading up to the murder of Vanessa Marcotte, who was found dead Sunday in Princeton.

Marcotte went missing Sunday after she went out for a walk. She was found several hours later dead in the area of Brooks Station Road.

During Thursday's press conference, Early said investigators have determined that Marcotte's killer was a man and he likely suffered scrapes, bruises and scratches during a struggle.

Early said the public should call police if they saw anyone with similar injuries that would have been fresh early in the week.

Investigators have narrowed the time of Marcotte's murder down to between 1-3 p.m. on Sunday.

If anyone saw vehicles parked on Brooks Station Road they are asked to call police.

Tips can be called into (508) 453-7589.

Police spent several hours combing the woods near where Marcotte was found for evidence.

No arrests have been made in Marcotte's death.