Authorities have identified the victim in a death investigation at a luxury apartment building in Boston's South End last week and say they are now investigating the case as a murder.
The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Shantel Gillespie, Boston police and the Suffolk District Attorney's Office said Thursday morning. They said that while they are still awaiting a cause and manner of death determination from the medical examiner's office, they have reason to believe her death is a homicide.
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"Preliminary information indicates that this was not a random act and that residents of the building and members of the public are not in danger," the two agencies said in a press release. "Investigators continue to gather information and we will release further updates when we can.
Gillespie was a student in the nursing program at Labouré College of Healthcare in Milton and was preparing for her pinning ceremony in January. She also worked at Boston Children's Hospital.
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“Shantel Gillespie was a valued member of our hospital family, known for her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the care of our patients," Boston Children's Hospital said in a statement. "Her sudden passing is a tremendous loss to our organization, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family.”
Police said they responded to an apartment building located at 390 Harrison Avenue for a well-being check just before 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 -- exactly one week ago. Until Thursday, they had said only that the victim was a female.
A person was found dead inside luxury apartments in Boston's South End Thursday evening, leading to a death investigation that has some tenants on edge.
Details are limited at this point but Boston Police say they made the discovery after responding to an apartment building located at 390 Harrison Avenue for a well-being check just before 7 p.m.
The apartment building where the woman was found dead is known as The Harris, and tenants told NBC10 Boston the incident was very surprising.
"I came down to a whole bunch of cops, more cops outside," said Michael Dzialo, who lives in the building.
"I don't quite know what to make of it, I mean a loss of life is absolutely tragic" said Fraser Simpson, another resident. "It's very surprising and very different to anything I would have expected in this neighborhood."
Police are asking for anyone with information on Gillespie's death to call 617-343-4470. Anonymous tips can be called in to the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word "TIP" to 27463.
