The search for a missing pregnant Massachusetts teenager has ended in tragedy, with authorities charging her boyfriend after human remains were discovered on his property. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the grim reality of intimate partner violence.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn confirmed to reporters on Tuesday, August 19, that remains consistent with 18-year-old Kylee Monteiro were found during a search of her boyfriend’s Rehoboth home. Gregory Groom, 22, who had initially reported Monteiro missing on August 7, now faces a murder charge, as reported by boston.com. Monteiro was eleven weeks pregnant at the time of her disappearance.

How Common is Intimate Partner Homicide During Pregnancy?

Tragically, homicide is a leading cause of death for pregnant and postpartum women in the United States. According to a 2021 study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, pregnant women are twice as likely to die by homicide than by any pregnancy-related cause. The study, which analyzed national data, found that most victims were killed by a current or former intimate partner, often in a context of prior domestic abuse. This data underscores the extreme vulnerability that can exist in abusive relationships, which may escalate during pregnancy.

In this case, District Attorney Quinn stated that Groom is also charged with aggravated assault and battery on a pregnant person, domestic assault and battery, and intimidation of a witness for crimes allegedly committed against Monteiro the day before she vanished. A friend of Monteiro’s told WCVB 5 that their last conversation was alarming. “She was like ‘I don’t feel safe right now, something’s not right,’” the friend recounted.

A Community Mourns a Vibrant Life

As the investigation unfolded with heavy machinery searching the wooded, 26-acre property, Kylee Monteiro is remembered by her loved ones not as a victim, but as a vibrant and loving individual. Her sister, Faith Monteiro, described her to news outlets as an outgoing, happy person who loved animals and people. “She wanted to be a mother. She was so happy,” friend Kira Schofield said at a gathering on County Street, where a community began to mourn. A vigil was planned for the following Saturday to honor her memory.

Groom is currently being held without bail. His arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, in Taunton District Court, where formal murder charges were expected to be presented. The positive identification of the remains and the official cause of death are pending from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.

The devastating case of Kylee Monteiro underscores the critical importance of recognizing the signs of domestic violence and the heightened risks faced by pregnant individuals. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Must Know

What happened to Kylee Monteiro?
Kylee Monteiro, an 18-year-old pregnant woman from Massachusetts, was reported missing on August 7. After an investigation, human remains were found on her boyfriend’s property. He has been charged with her murder.

Who is charged with Kylee Monteiro’s murder?
Gregory Groom, 22, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, has been charged with murder. He was Monteiro’s boyfriend and was the person who initially reported her as missing.

What were the circumstances before her disappearance?
Authorities state that the day before she went missing, Groom allegedly committed acts of aggravated assault and battery on Monteiro because she was pregnant, along with domestic assault and witness intimidation. A friend also mentioned Monteiro expressed she did not feel safe.

Was Kylee Monteiro found?
Yes, during a search of Gregory Groom’s property on August 19, human remains consistent with Kylee Monteiro were discovered. Official confirmation from the medical examiner is pending.

What is the link between pregnancy and domestic violence?
Studies show pregnancy can be a trigger for escalated violence in abusive relationships. Homicide is a leading cause of death for pregnant and postpartum women in the U.S., often at the hands of an intimate partner.