Joanna Brown, a cherished bakery worker from Worcester who vanished after her shift last Friday, was tragically found dead, police confirmed Tuesday. Her body was discovered Monday night inside a parked vehicle.
According to authorities, Brown was last seen around 9 a.m. on Friday at the Bean Counter Bakery, where she was known for her warmth and dedication. She reportedly left mid-shift, telling coworkers she had a personal matter to attend to — but she never returned.
“She meant the world to us,” said bakery owner **Alice Lombardi**. “Joanna was the heart of our business — customers adored her.”
When Brown failed to come back to work or contact her loved ones, her family grew alarmed and reported her missing on Sunday. Police issued a public appeal for help the next day, expressing deep concern for her wellbeing.
That same afternoon, around 4 p.m., officers discovered her body in a gray **Mitsubishi Outlander** parked at the **Green Hill Towers** apartment complex on Mount Vernon Street. Authorities have not yet released details about the cause of death or confirmed who owned the vehicle.
“The circumstances surrounding Ms. Brown’s death remain under active investigation by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and the Worcester Police Detective Bureau,” officials said in a statement.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Worcester Police at **508-799-8651** or text **TIPWPD** to **CRIMES (274637)**.
Regular customers have expressed heartbreak over her loss. One patron, **Eddie**, described Brown as kindhearted and full of life. “She was such a caring person — always looking out for others,” he said. “She made the best egg sandwiches and always had a smile on her face. We’d laugh and joke every morning. I just can’t believe she’s gone.”
00:00This is the worst case scenario for them. This community is devastated to learn that she is dead after being reported missing.
00:08Now, police were out here all evening yesterday investigating, and they just confirmed today that they did find Brown's body inside an SUV that they were investigating last night.
00:20But we still don't know how she died.
00:23Toed away a SUV that was parked right next to this blue car.
00:27Video shows where police located that SUV that matched the description and license plate of the rental car Joanna Brown was driving when she was last seen Friday morning leaving the nearby bean counter bakery she works at.
00:39Joanna never missed a day of work in eight years, and it's why she's so concerned tonight, saying their last conversation was on Friday when Joanna had to leave early to attend to some personal matters.
00:49Of course, like everyone, we're worried about her safety.
00:52You know, we just want her back. We want her safe.
00:57We want to know she's okay.
00:59And Worcester police, they're asking for your help with this investigation tonight.
01:03They say if you know anything at all, give them a call.
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