DA: Body Identified As Missing Wayland Woman, 'Apparent Homicide'

District Attorney Gerry Leone has confirmed the body found Monday morning in Wayland has been identified as 18-year-old Lauren Astley of Wayland who has been missing since late Sunday evening.

Astley’s remains were found in a marshy area off of Rte. 27 in Wayland Monday morning by a passing bicyclist who called 911, according to a statement released just after 7 p.m. Monday evening by the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office.

Wayland Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office responded and were at the scene throughout the day. While Astley’s death was previously determined to be suspicious, it has now been declared a homicide according to the statement from Leone’s office.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Astley’s death are ongoing, but residents are being told they should not be in fear at this time.

An autopsy is expected to be conducted tomorrow.

Wayland Patch will bring you more information as it becomes available.