Overview

• A dog walker discovered the first body in the wooded area behind the Walmart on Highland Avenue in Salem on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a police response.
• Responding officers found a second deceased male at the location, leading to a coordinated death investigation by local and state authorities.
• The Essex County District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police are collaborating with Salem Police to investigate the cause of death and assess the potential for foul play.
• The wooded area, near the Lynn border and adjacent to a residential condominium complex, has a history of brush fires, adding to the context of the investigation.
• Authorities have secured the scene and are urging anyone with information to contact Massachusetts State Police or Salem Police as the investigation continues.