Family Launches Vanessa Marcotte Foundation

WORCESTER COUNTY, MA—Last year, following the murder of their family member, the website dedicated to the memory of Vanessa Marcotte. The site also served as a portal for those who wanted to submit tips to find her killer.

The 27-year-old Marcotte was found dead near her mother's home in Princeton on Aug. 7, 2016. An employee at Google's New York City office, Marcotte went missing during a jog. A K-9 police dog found Marcotte's body about a half-mile from the home, and investigators say she was last seen on Brooks Station Road that afternoon. Her body was reportedly burned and naked.

Two weeks ago, an arrest was made in connection with the murder, with charges that followed.

Now, Marcotte's family has established the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation "in memory of our beloved Vanessa. We miss her every day and she fuels our fight." On the site, the family explains that through the foundation, they "believe women deserve to live free from the fear of violence."

To achieve this goal, the foundation is partnering with organizations "that deliver educational programs to promote female empowerment, challenge and undermine gender stereotypes, and provide mentorship opportunities. Vanessa inspires our mission and fuels our continued efforts."

Donations can be made through the website, which also includes events, connections and news.