Ending media speculation about a supposed serial killer, human remains found near Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island mansion have been identified as a 31-year-old missing man.
See the tweet below this post.
Police have solved the mystery of their investigation into the grim discovery near the celebrity’s $17.75 million coastal estate, determining the tragedy had nothing to do with the pop star or any sinister murder plot.
The South Kingstown Police Department confirmed the remains discovered in mid-May in Westerly, Rhode Island, belonged to 31-year-old Eric Wein from Massachusetts.
Wein was reported missing on April 18 after his vehicle was found abandoned in South Kingstown on April 10.
His remains were found less than a mile from Swift’s beachfront property.
Authorities quickly put to rest any theories of foul play that had been circulating on social media. The South Kingstown Police Department stated:
“After working closely with the Mansfield Police Department and the Rhode Island Office of the State Medical Examiners, the South Kingstown Police Department has formally concluded its investigation. No foul play is suspected. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wein’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
When the remains were initially discovered, Westerly police described finding “what appeared to be a human leg bone.”
The remains were collected and transferred to the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office, where they were subsequently identified through forensic analysis.
Moreover, the discovery near Swift’s mansion triggered intense media coverage, despite the fact that the singer was not present at the property when the remains were found.
The high-profile nature of the location – a historic property known as “Holiday House” or “High Watch” – amplified public interest in what would otherwise have been a tragic but localized news story.
“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,” Westerly Police Chief Paul Gingerella stated firmly, addressing online rumors that had begun circulating after the discovery.
Swift purchased the Rhode Island mansion in 2013 for $17.75 million. The property was formerly owned by Rebekah West Harkness, who inspired Swift’s song “The Last Great American Dynasty.”
The oceanfront estate sits in Watch Hill, a wealthy coastal neighborhood known for its Victorian-style homes and tight-knit community that values privacy.
The timing of this discovery raised concerns due to recent findings of unidentified bodies in the region.
Another unidentified male was recently found in the Seekonk River in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Since March, 13 bodies have been discovered across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, fueling speculation about a possible serial killer.
“There is no connection between human remains found and online fears of a serial killer in New England,” Police Chief Gingerella emphasized.
The conclusion of this investigation brings closure to Wein’s family while reinforcing the importance of waiting for official findings before jumping to sensationalist conclusions.
Human remains found near Taylor Swift’s mansion identified https://t.co/9Z8jATmgc1 pic.twitter.com/ETyKeqXkv2
— New York Post (@nypost) June 18, 2025
