Hunt for Missing Grandmother, 63, Takes Unexpected Turn as Police Find Another Woman’s Body

A search for a missing 63-year-old woman has led to the start of a suspected homicide investigation in Suffolk County, New York.

Police said that on Feb. 11, while searching a wooded area for Kathleen Harrison Trent, officers discovered the body of an unidentified woman in Manorville on Long Island. The body was found on Connecticut Avenue, south of River Road, at about 3:21 p.m. local time.

The Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad is investigating after preliminary evidence indicated the death may have been criminal in nature. Authorities said the woman’s identity and cause of death will be determined following an autopsy by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Trent’s whereabouts remain unknown. She was reported missing on Jan. 29 after her son contacted police when he could not reach her, according to ABC 7 New York. She was last seen at her home on Forge Road in Riverhead.

Trent worked as a security guard at Riverhead Raceway, the outlet reported.

Her godsister, Kelly Turbush, told ABC 7 she was initially in disbelief when she learned Trent was missing. Turbush said it was out of character for Trent not to answer calls and said she cannot understand who would want to harm her.

“She didn’t have a bad bone in her body,” Turbush said, adding that Trent was known for helping others whenever she could.