Ashley Bortner's body was found by authorities on Nov. 3, here's what we know.
Ashley Bortner As investigators continue to search for leads, it is still unclear what led to the death of a 29-year-old former Paulsboro woman who was found bound and burned near a railroad track in Massachusetts about a week ago.
Ashley Bortner's body was found by authorities near train tracks in Bridgewater, Massachusetts on Nov. 3
Here's what we know:
What we know for sure:
Bridgewater police received a 911 call shortly before midnight on Nov. 3 for "a report of a suspicious vehicle parked and two people seen in the area of the MBTA railroad tracks at Oak and Crapo streets, according to a statement from the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered a fire burning on the west side of the tracks, which they determined was a body burning, the statement said.
Bridgewater firefighters extinguished the fire determined that the woman was dead.
What police suspect:
Authorities believe the death was "targeted act and not random," the statement said. Officials added, however, that they do not believe the public is in any danger.
Authorities also do not believe Bortner was killed at the train tracks. They suspect she was killed at a different location before being left there, according to a report by the NY Daily News
"The investigation remains active and ongoing," said Beth Stone, spokeswoman for the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, in an interview by telephone Monday evening. "State and Bridgewater police continue to aggressively work this case."
Bortner's background:
Bortner moved to Massachusetts in 2012.
In an interview with the Boston Herald, Bortner's mother, Tamara Pack, said she had not seen her daughter in three years, but had been staying in touch with her by phone. Pack said she adopted her daughter's 13-year-old son.
Bortner once lived in Hyde Park, Boston's southernmost neighborhood.
In the Globe's report, Pack said Bortner aspired to be an actress one day.
She was the youngest of four siblings.
A GoFundMe page has been created by Bortner's sister, Dawn Hoyte, to raise funds so that Bortner's body can be transported back to New Jersey for a funeral.
"Trying to raise money to bury my baby sister," Hoyte wrote on the GoFundMe page. "This is such a tragedy. She's only 29 yrs old. Never expected to have to bury my little sister so soon. Thank you for any help. First we need to get her body home. That will probably cost 2500."
She added, "Update: thank you all for your support! We have raised the money we need to give ashley a proper burial. God bless each and every one of you! Please keep us in your prayers and i will do the same for all the love and support!"
The page has raised $2,350 so far with a goal of $10,000.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
