The tragic discovery of a woman’s body in a wooded area on Long Island has brought a heartbreaking end to a missing person’s case. Officials have identified the deceased as 63-year-old Kathleen Harrison Trent, who had been missing since late January. This confirmation came late on Monday, following an extensive investigation.

Kathleen Trent, a resident of Riverhead, was reported missing by her son on January 29. He reached out to the Riverhead Town Police Department after being unable to make contact with her for two days, which sparked concern and initiated a search effort.

The search took a grim turn on February 11 when the police discovered the body of a woman in a secluded wooded area along Connecticut Avenue, south of River Road in Manorville. This location is roughly nine miles southwest of Trent’s home in Riverhead. At the time, the identity of the body was not immediately confirmed.

On Monday, Suffolk County police released the results of an autopsy conducted by the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. The findings confirmed that the body was indeed that of Kathleen Trent, bringing a sad conclusion to the search efforts.

Though the cause of death is still under investigation, detectives have indicated their belief that the circumstances surrounding her death are “criminal in nature.” This has raised concerns in the community and prompted further investigative efforts.

Trent’s death has resonated deeply within the local community, where she was known as both a mother and grandmother, as reported by local media. Her loss is felt profoundly by those who knew her, and the investigation into the circumstances of her death continues as authorities seek justice.

Suffolk County police are urging anyone with information about the incident to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.