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Human remains found in Wakefield identified as Patrick Shea

The 68-year-old from Wakefield was reported missing in May 2020, according to authorities.

The remains found near Wakefield Memorial High School on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, were identified as those of Patrick Shea, 68, who was reported missing on May 6, 2020, according to the Middlesex district attorney's office.

By Rosemary Ford

December 12, 2021

The human remains found in Wakefield last Tuesday have been positively identified as Patrick Shea, 68, of Wakefield, according to a statement released Sunday by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Wakefield Chief of Police Steven Skory.

On Dec. 7, a crew surveying wetlands in a wooded area behind Wakefield High found skeletal remains and notified local police, according to the statement.

Authorities said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently identified the remains as those of Shea, who had been reported missing in May 2020.

The preliminary investigation did not indicate foul play, according to the statement. A ruling on the cause and manner of death is still pending.