The human remains that washed ashore in the upscale beach town of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, near Taylor Swift’s mansion, have been identified.
This identification has brought some closure to a case that led to widespread speculation.
On May 14, 2025, the remains were discovered along the shoreline of Westerly, Rhode Island, just down the beach from Swift’s sprawling oceanfront property.
Authorities have now confirmed the identity as Eric Wein, 31, of Massachusetts, who was reported missing on April 18, 2025.
According to police reports, Wein’s vehicle was found in South Kingstown on April 10, days before his family officially reported him missing.
After a thorough investigation, officials stated there was no foul play involved and have since closed the case.
"We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wein’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," the South Kingstown Police Department said in a statement.
The discovery in Westerly came just weeks after another unidentified man was found in the Seekonk River in Pawtucket, which is about 48 miles away.
These findings—along with 13 other bodies discovered across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts since March—fueled online rumors of a serial killer in New England.
However, authorities have repeatedly dismissed these claims.
Westerly Police Chief Paul Gingerella told Fox News Digital in May: "As far as I'm concerned, as far as right now, this has nothing to do with any serial killer [or] any New England murderer."
He attributed the panic to "the power of social media," though he acknowledged that social platforms have more benefits than negatives.
One of the victims, Michele Romano, was the first of the 13 bodies to be found back in March in Foster, Rhode Island —about 49 miles from Westerly.
Her family publicly denied any connection to a serial killer, stating:
"We know that Michele’s passing is in no way related to any type of serial killer... We have complete faith in the Rhode Island State Police... We would appreciate it if people on social media/news or other platforms would stop making false statements."
Right now, police say the cases don’t seem to be connected, and families like Wein’s and Romano’s are left to grieve without dealing with false rumors.
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