TEWKSBURY — The following is a statement from Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus:
Yesterday, the Tewksbury Police Department assisted in locating remains believed to be those of Jill Kloppenburg, a Tewksbury resident who has been missing for more than a year, in Tyngsborough. This is not the outcome anyone hoped for, but we are grateful Jill’s family and friends can finally have answers and some measure of peace and closure.
On behalf of the entire Tewksbury Police Department, we offer our sincere condolences to Jill’s loved ones. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
For more than a year, members of our Criminal Investigation Division continued working this case and followed every lead in an effort to find Jill and determine what happened. Their persistence and commitment in this case are just one example of the dedication our officers bring to serving this community every day.
I also want to recognize Detective Timothy Oteri, whose work was central to this investigation. Detective Oteri listened carefully, gathered critical information, and diligently pursued every lead in the effort to locate Jill and bring clarity to this case.
The Town of Tewksbury is fortunate to have dedicated professionals like Detective Oteri and the members of our Criminal Investigation Division, who remain committed to seeking the truth and supporting victims and their families.
We are grateful for the partnership of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Lowell Police Department, and the Tyngsborough Police Department. Their support was essential throughout this investigation.
A suspect is in custody, and we trust the legal process will take its course.
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