WOBURN, Mass. -- Investigators are searching for answers about the deaths of a mother and her 12-year-old daughter in Woburn.

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Kelley Tuthill Reports On Investigation

NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that the bodies of Joanne Presti, 34, and her daughter, Alyssa, were found in their home on Totman Drive Wednesday. Authorities said that there was no sign of forced entry.

Alyssa's maternal grandparents found the girl stabbed to death in her bedroom. Her mother was found dead downstairs.

"It is not apparent what the cause of death is. She is in a position and her clothes are rumpled, and it is clearly a highly suspicious situation," Middlesex District Attorney Martha Coakley said.

Alyssa's father is John Carter, who played for the Bruins from 1985 to 1991. A third child was with his father in Revere, Mass., this week.

A 2-year-old boy, Sean, was found unharmed in his crib. He was taken to a hospital and was in good condition.

Flags flew at half-staff at the Joyce school, where Alyssa was in seventh grade.

"Alyssa was a very conscientious, quiet girl. Teachers would tell you that she was a pleasure to have in class. It was a shock, to say the least, to hear of her death," Superintendent Carl Batchelder said.

The deaths shocked neighbors, who said that there was no indication of problems within the home.

"They got along well. They were a loving family. It is just a complete shock," neighbor Joanne Pacheco said. "She was a great mother, great person. The kids loved her. She loved those kids."

Autopsies on the victims are scheduled for Friday. Department of Social Services officials said that their office has a minor history with the family that dates back to 1997.

Counselors will be on hand at Alyssa's school to help her classmates.