Slain Medford mother Sarah Goode formally identified

Suffolk police Saturday formally identified the body found in a wooded area of Medford as Sarah P. Goode, a young mother reported missing a week ago.

At a media briefing, police said they had no new information about the homicide investigation. Officials have not released the cause of her death.

"We can confirm that she was a victim of violence and this is an active homicide investigation at this time," said Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer, commanding officer of the homicide squad.

"It's very early in the investigation," he said. "We have received some tips . . . Anything the public can bring to us can help."

Beyrer would not comment further on the investigation.

Goode, 21, was the mother of a 4-year-old girl. She was last seen leaving a friend's house in Shirley about 1 a.m. on June 7. Her car was found about a mile from her Medford home.

A private search party of more than 40 family members and friends found the body about 6:15 p.m. Thursday.

Saturday night, Goode's family issued a statement that said they were "deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy."

"Sarah was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. A proud mother that loved her baby girl more than anything in the world," the statement said.

"She is our baby sister . . . we will forever cherish our memories of her and share them with her daughter . . . We love you Sarah! . . . We know you will always be with us."