Crime & Safety
North Attleboro Human Remains Discovery: ID Made
Authorities said human remains found in North Attleboro belong to Joseph Pinheiro, 49, of East Providence, Rhode Island.

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA — Authorities said human remains found in North Attleboro earlier this month belong to a 49-year-old Rhode Island man. The deceased was identified as Joseph Pinheiro, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn. (Subscribe to Attleboro news alerts for updates on this story and more breaking news. iPhone/iPad users: download the new Patch app.)
Quinn said a man was walking his dogs in a wooded area near Betts Drive when he discovered human bones.
"During the next 24 hours, North Attleboro Police and Massachusetts State Police conducted an extensive search of the area and discovered other bones, clothing and personal items, all belonging to Mr. Pinheiro," Quinn said in a statement Friday. "It has been determined that Mr. Pinheiro was last seen by his family on January 9, 2016 and was officially reported missing by his brother on January 18, 2016. Although foul play is not suspected, the death investigation is ongoing."
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