Editor's note: This story was updated to add additional detail
The remains of a missing 56-year-old Warwick woman have been found in a wooded area near Plainfield Pike in Foster and the circumstances of her death are suspicious, the state police said Monday.
Michele Romano's body was found at the location on Wednesday and a group of investigators from multiple agencies worked together to confirm the identity of the remains.
Investigators from the Rhode Island State Police, Warwick Police Department, and the Office of the Attorney General are jointly examining the "suspicious circumstances surrounding Ms. Romano’s death."
Romano was reported missing by a family member on Aug. 18, state police say.
Her last known address was 112 Hazard Ave., Warwick.
State police urge anyone with helpful information to provide assistance by contacting them at (401) 647-8039.
The identification of Romano's body ended a missing person search bolstered, in part, by the interest of an online community and by Unsolved Rhode Island, a public Facebook group with more than 14,000 members.
Romano had last been seen on July 22, according to a post by the Facebook group's organizers.
"Family reports that it is uncharacteristic for Michele to be gone for so long and are concerned for her well-being," the post said. "She does not have a vehicle."
A Facebook page named "Help Find Michele Romano" counted the days of her disappearance and showed activity right into the weekend.
"MICHELE IS STILL MISSING!!!" said one post on the page, which refers to itself as the "family/friends" of Michele Romano.
A March 26 post on the page was addressed to "Michele--"
"Your family will turn over every rock in every crevice and on every corner until we find you!!," it said.
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