Closing an unsettling chapter in this upscale community, human remains discovered near Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island mansion have been identified as a 31-year-old man.
The grim finding, which initially sparked wild speculation online about a possible serial killer, has been confirmed by police as an isolated incident with no foul play suspected.
The remains washed ashore in mid-May in Watch Hill, an exclusive coastal neighborhood of Westerly, Rhode Island, less than a mile from Swift’s $17.75 million oceanfront property.
Authorities confirmed they belonged to Eric Wein from Massachusetts, who had been reported missing since April 18 after his vehicle was found abandoned in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, on April 10.
According to the Westerly Police Department, initial reports described the discovery as “what appeared to be a human leg bone.”
The remains were promptly collected and transferred to the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office for analysis, leading to the positive identification.
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Following a thorough investigation, authorities concluded there was no criminal activity involved in Wein’s death.
The South Kingstown Police Department worked closely with the Mansfield Police Department and the Rhode Island Office of the State Medical Examiners before formally closing the case.
Swift, who purchased the Rhode Island mansion in 2013 for nearly $18 million, was not present at the property when the remains were discovered.
The sprawling estate, known locally as “Holiday House” or “High Watch,” has become a notable landmark in the affluent community and even inspired Swift’s song “The Last Great American Dynasty” from her Folklore album.
The discovery near Swift’s property came amid unfounded social media speculation about a potential serial killer operating in New England after multiple bodies were found in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts since March.
However, local authorities have firmly rejected these theories.
“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 said.
Swift’s mansion is located in Watch Hill, an exclusive enclave known for its Victorian-style homes and strong sense of privacy.
While the investigation has concluded, the circumstances surrounding how Wein ended up in the waters off Rhode Island remain unclear.
What is certain is that despite the discovery’s high-profile location, this appears to be nothing more than a tragic isolated incident that became sensationalized due to its proximity to a celebrity residence.
