Two Dead, Three More Found in Basement of Industrial Building

PROVIDENCE — Police are investigating after discovering five bodies in an industrial building on Atwells Avenue, in what authorities are calling a "complex and disturbing" scene.

Officers responding to a welfare check Saturday afternoon found two people dead in an upstairs residential area of the converted factory building. A subsequent search of the premises revealed three additional bodies buried in the basement, according to Providence Police Captain Robert Martins.

The victims have been identified as Anastasia Marchenko, 26, a Brown University graduate student; Harlan Stone, 28, an artist; Lily Chen, 24; Martin Orozco, 27; and Oscar Reyes, 29. All five were residents of the building, which had been converted into a live-work space for artists.

"This is an active investigation with many unanswered questions," Capt. Martins said at a press conference Sunday. "We are treating this as a potential homicide but have not ruled out other possibilities."

According to sources close to the investigation, the two bodies found upstairs — Marchenko and Stone — showed signs of a violent altercation. The circumstances surrounding the three basement burials remain unclear.

A "Dream Research" Commune

Neighbors and acquaintances described the building's residents as a close-knit group interested in experimental art and what one source called "dream research."

"They kept to themselves mostly, but they seemed harmless," said James Pellegrino, who owns a machine shop across the street. "Artsy types. They had parties sometimes, weird music, but never caused trouble."

The building, purchased in 2006, had been extensively modified. Police described finding elaborate sleeping quarters decorated with unusual sculptures and symbols.

Dr. Rebecca Hartman, Marchenko's thesis advisor at Brown, expressed shock at the news.

"Anastasia was a brilliant student working on consciousness research," Dr. Hartman said. "She had been less present on campus in recent months, but I had no indication anything was wrong. This is devastating."

Timeline Unknown

Medical examiners are working to establish a timeline for the deaths. Sources indicate the basement burials may have occurred weeks or even months before the two upstairs deaths.

"The conditions of the remains vary significantly," said Dr. Patricia Liang of the state medical examiner's office. "We're conducting thorough analyses to establish the sequence of events."

Police have declined to comment on whether they are seeking additional persons of interest. Two other individuals were known to have been associated with the group but were not present at the building.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Providence Police Department.