Investigators have identified a New Jersey mother found dead Tuesday night on commuter rail tracks in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, her body burned and bound.
According to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, the body is that of 29-year-old Ashley Bortner, of Paulsboro, New Jersey.
Officials believe Bortner was killed at a different location and her body was brought to the rail tracks in Bridgewater, where she was burned. Bortner was found with her hands and feet tied.
Neighbors recalled a suspicious occurrence leading up to the discovery.
"Someone pulled down, did a U-turn, came up, backed down the tracks," said Ethan Ellis, who lives nearby.
Police believe Bortner was targeted and don't believe the public is in any danger. Additionally, they said there does not appear to be any connection to the discovery of a burned body in Worcester the following day, a case in which a suspect was arrested.
Bortner's family is asking for donations to bring her body back to New Jersey. CLICK HERE if you would like to donate.
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"The family is devastated at this point, and right now, they're just keeping to themselves and trying to wait and see what actually occurred," said Bortner's cousin, Tracey Kulb. "They're working closely with the detectives in Boston just to find out anything they can."
Kulb told NBC10 Bortner was born and raised in Paulsboro and moved to Massachusetts around three years ago. Kulb also said Bortner was a mother.
"She does have a child," Kulb said. "It's just heartbreaking to the whole family. Ashley was the greatest. She was so much full of life, she was just so happy. She was always outgoing and she was just a wonderful person."
Police continue to investigate. It's not clear if they have identified a motive or any suspects.
