Identified: Sturbridge MA Woman Found Dead Thursday In Trunk Of ME Vehicle During Traffic Stop

WORCESTER, MA. (THECOUNT) — The woman found dead in the trunk of a Gardiner vehicle following a fatal shooting of Sturbridge man, Gyrth Rutan, during a traffic stop Thursday, has been identified as Maddilyn Burgess, 28, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts district attorneys identified Burgess, and Rutan, 34, both of Sturbridge, as the victims. The relationship between the pair is not known at this time.

Police pulled Rutan over on Timberwood Drive in Gardiner after observing him operating erratically on Interstate 295 at 4:45 p.m. State Police spokesperson Steve McCausland said Rutan got out of his car and shot himself with a shotgun, resulting in his death. While investigating that incident, police found Burgess’ body in the trunk. source

The Maine State Medical Examiner’s office determined Burgess died of blunt force trauma injuries.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Worcester County District Attorney spokesperson Lindsay Corcoran said in a Monday press release that Massachusetts State and Sturbridge Police investigated a property at Rutan’s residence on Fairview Park Road. Detectives searched Rutan’s residence on Friday and discovered evidence of a crime at this address.

Corcoran said the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the incident may contact police at 911.