Remains of missing East Providence man found in North Attleboro

The whereabouts of Joseph Pinheiro had been unknown since January 2016

EastBayRI.com ·

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS. — The human remains found in a wooded area in the town earlier this month have officially been identified as those of an East Providence man reported missing for well over a year.

The Bristol County District Attorney’s office announced Friday, April 21, the remains were those of Joseph Pinheiro, 49, who was initially reported missing by family back on January 18, 2016. At that time, East Providence Police issued Be On the Lookout (“BOLO”) alert for his whereabouts.

In a statement released by Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III, it was noted on the night of April 7, 2017, a North Attleboro man contacted police after he happened upon what he believed to be human bones while he was walking dogs in a wooden area near Betts Drive in the town. North Attleboro Police investigated the call, eventually finding clothing and personal effects found to be those of Mr. Pinheiro.

Mr. Pinheiro was last seen on January 11, 2016 at a bank ATM in Seekonk. At the time, family members told authorities he had a past history of depression. Described as a white male, 5-feet-5 in height, approximately 150 pound and he had a cast on his left wrist when he disappeared.

Family members also thought he potentially could have been traveling south in an effort to find employment, something he had done previously. When he had dealt with bouts of depression in the past and when he had failed to take medication, he had a tendency to move about without notice.