Body Found In Peru Confirmed To Be Missing Hinsdale Woman

PERU, Mass. — A 53-year old woman who went missing from Hinsdale was found dead in a wooded area in Peru.

 

Jacqueline Coutinho went missing in May and a K9 search, foot patrols and a helicopter were unable to locate her. Authorities searched for weeks to no avail.

 

On Tuesday, loggers found a body in the woods about one mile off of Curtin Road. 

 

A cause of death has not been revealed but there were no signs of foul play, according to authorities. 

 

"Investigators have not uncovered any indications of foul play in Ms. Coutinho's disappearance or death, nor do we believe that there is any threat to public safety connected with this sad loss," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said in a prepared statement. 

 

"We send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Coutinho. The District Attorney's Office deeply appreciates the extensive efforts made by law enforcement and volunteers during the search and recovery efforts."

 

The skeletal remains of Coutinho were found around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed her identity on Wednesday. 

 

Coutinho was last seen on Smith Road at about 10:15 that May morning. She had been in Hinsdale for only about a prior month and was there with her sister.