The tragic case surrounding the disappearance of 18-year-old Kylee Monteiro has taken a grim turn, as authorities have found human remains at the Rehoboth residence of her boyfriend. Gregory Groom, 22, is now facing a murder charge in relation to Monteiro's death. The discovery of the remains was announced by Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn and reported by MassLive.
Groom reported Monteiro missing on August 7, with her last known location being his home on County Street. Following an intensive investigation, Groom was arrested and initially charged with aggravated assault and battery on a pregnant person, domestic assault and battery, and intimidation of a witness. The remains, believed to be Monteiro's, were located as detectives expanded their search of Groom's property, "consistent with those of Kylee Monteiro," according to a statement from Quinn's office obtained by CBS News Boston. Groom is set to quickly face arraignment in Taunton District Court.
Monteiro, recently graduated from Attleboro High School and was 11 weeks pregnant at the time of her disappearance. Friends and family have spoken about her excitement to become a mother. "She wanted to be a mother and she was so happy," Monteiro's friend Kira Schofield said in an interview with CBS News Boston.
The search efforts for Monteiro culminated in the discovery on Tuesday night, as a significant development when investigators, acting on a search warrant, found the remains. Documentation from the scene attests to the presence of an excavator called to the County Street area. Official confirmation from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is still pending. In the meantime, Monteiro’s family has created a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses. “This is closure and we are so thankful for everyone’s help in getting here,” Monteiro’s sister, Catherine, wrote on the fundraising page.
The community has responded to this tragedy with an outpouring of support, having held a vigil this past Saturday. As the case proceeds to court, many are seeking answers and justice for the young woman whose life was cut tragically short. The story will continue to be covered live by outlets such as CBS News Boston as new developments emerge.
