The bodies of the two victims were found in the street, one on top of the other. I know therere things we dont know.. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The case made national headlines because the deaths triggered the involvement of the FBI, which thought a serial killer could be responsible. The Black Flash was a nickname given to a man (or creature) that terrorized the Provincetown area in the late 1930s. We work the case like it just happened, said Sullivan. They are referred to as unresolved homicides, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early, after the father of Molly Bish, a 16-year-old lifeguard from Warren who was kidnapped and later found dead, requested they not refer to his daughters and similar cases as cold cases because that terminology denotes the case is shoved away on a shelf somewhere collecting dust, not actively being pursued. While other cases remain relatively unknown, out of the public eye but of equal importance. "This case, although unsolved, has been on the minds of many investigators who have worked tirelessly over the years to bring closure for the family," Hazelhurst said. 49 year old female was beaten and thrown from a motor vehicle on 4-18-1965. FITCHBURG, MA The remains of a person found more than 20 years ago in a wooded area of Hyde Park have been identified as a Fitchburg woman, the Boston Police . Every detective in every department has a case that bothers him. WORCESTER - There are more than 70 active unsolved murders and missing persons cases being investigated by the Worcester Police Department. This mystery is odd but at least a heartwarming one. He was involved in the illegal sale of narcotics. You really need to comb through your evidence and see if there are any leads.. Karen Marchioni (Photo submitted by Jennifer Case). Upon listening to the police reports there were two young men that claimed to have killed Travis, his mother, Christi Berry, said. Crime & Law. At the same time, as more time passes, it can help. In the ensuing weeks came fear, chaos, confusion and more questions. Peter Alario Age. Its a case District Attorney John J. Conte said at the time was one of many his office was reviewing with the help of new DNA technology. Were able to do things now with DNA that we couldnt do three years ago.. All attempts to locate the man have been unsuccessful. We have a lot of police resources that are available now in 2017 that didnt exist to the original investigators. Theres a lot more opportunity now than there has been, Chief Gemme said. The case files were entered into a new computer database and a list was established. Melendez was never located and warrants are still in effect. Help us solve these cases and bring justice to the victims' families! Similarly to Elizabeth Matos, William Vega, and Candace Scola, the body of Nereida Melendez was found not far from her personal belongings, a pocket book still containing her personal belongings and money, including a $20 bill. Her body was discovered by a neighborhood youth on 3-12-1994 in the rear of 34 Beacon Street after a spring rain had melted away the snow. (Photo from Google Maps). The cause of death was undetermined skeletal remains. Especially when there are over 70 cases still open., After putting out some feelers to see if people would listen to it (Worcester: Unsolved), I reached out to the Worcester Public Library,and Alex London started gathering newspaper clippings and anything else he could find online for me. "To date, any information received, regardless of how minor it may appear, is pursued to the fullest.". What are you clairvoyant? Of course families are upset; were upset, Mr. Conte said. It wasn't until 2022 that the woman was identified as Ruth Marie Terry of Tennessee, but unfortunately her killer was never found. Weve talked to a lot of the family, they live all over the state, Sullivan said. 29 year old male was shot to death on 7-18-2004 at the Lakeside Avenue Housing Complex. It would be very nice and gratifying to see justice served, but its not going to give [Catherine Wailgum] any closure. We like to get some of these cases out there, and were looking for that person who has just that little bit of information that me way need to get over the hump, and maybe theyll come forward now.. 20 year old male was shot to death while walking up Pleasant Street in the area of Piedmont Street on 1-3-1996. The vehicle, a gray 1999 Lexus CS300, was towed from the area of 108 Eastern Avenue prior to his body being discovered. A lack of resources, a lack of evidence, just slows an investigation, he stresses. 21 year old male died on 8-17-1997 outside of 50 Great Brook Valley Drive after being shot multiple times. Feliciano was involved in the sale of illegal narcotics. Such was the case with the Molly Bish investigation, which saw police officers spend countless hours searching woods for remains. Weve been very fortunate that every time theres been light shined on an old case we get phone calls and tips, Sullivan said. A trial would obviously focus on Candy. In each case, a family such as the Harkins waits for justice, hoping for closure. Shot while sitting in car outside 5 Rice Ln. Milton J. Valencia TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF. Jean Bones-Colon. A young woman is found murdered along I-495. It gives a lot of rights to the defendant, and not so much to the victim. 82 year old male was stabbed in the chest at his kitchen table at 118 Norfolk Street on 12-4-1987. The Worcester PD updated the list of unresolved cases this month. Phone: 311 36 year old female reported missing 2-19-2009 from 2 Sigourney Street. These and other cases have gone unsolved for years, frustrating friends and family members and challenging investigators to turn up new leads. Sydney Boles. 29 year old male was shot on 10-31-09 at 4 N. Ashland Street along with Luis Acevedo. According to trial testimony in 2014, Mr. Harkins had reneged on his agreement to give false statements in the drug trial of John . In an interview with MassLive, Marchionis daughter Jennifer Case said her mother was airlifted to UMass Medical Center where she died two hours later. He had been at Festa's Dog House on Millbury Street prior to the shooting and there was a large altercation between Wheeler and his friends and members of a local gang. You might have trouble sleeping tonight knowing that these creepy tales have happened in your state, maybe even in your town. Memorials will be held for Webster Firefighter Paul Cloutier on Saturday and will incude a processsion traveling thriygh Downtown Webster. Name. Beltran was believed to be the victim of a gang war that was going on at the time. 36 year old male was shot to death at 26 Woodbine Street on 8-5-1992. Contact Milton J. Valencia by e-mail at mvalencia@telegram.com. Last updated January 29, 2023. 22 year old male was shot to death on 2-10-2001 at an after hours party at 141 Chandler Street with approximately 20 to 30 witnesses. The poem, That Fateful Night (in loving memory of Travis Monroe we miss you), which Berry provided to Worcester Magazine, reads: Laying on the ground, staring at the moon, Saying to himsef god im coming to you soon, Because it was after a party for his band, But I didnt drink, I wouldnt lie to you, Never got into trouble, I was well behaved, When you see the man in court dont through a fit, What happened to my face filled with innocence and, My life has just begun but its all gone now, I wanna come back to life but I dont kno how, But I cant get older, have kids or a wife, Its now to late im going towards the light, Lying dead on the ground that fateful Night. UPDATE: Forensic evidence is currently being tested. An investigation continues in each case, police say, stressing theres no such thing as a cold case. The case of Karen Marchionis murder has remained unsolved for 21 years now. Jenkins was included on playing cards that feature victims in unsolved homicides and missing-persons cases, which were distributed by state police, the Department of Corrections, and district attorneys. The City of Worcester now offers free home pickup of used or unwanted clothers, textiles and other items through a partnership with Helpsy. SEE THE LIST: The 71 Unsolved Murders, Missing Person Cases in Worcester, State Board Votes 7-4 to Approve Charter School in Worcester. No one has ever been charged in connection with any of the deaths. It was believed that Gonzalez was not the intended target of the shooting. But for the families, the days turn into weeks and the weeks turn into years of heartache. She was discovered over on 34 Beacon St. by a young boy who was waiting to go to school, Sullivan said. But new technology does have its advantages. New episodes will debut on Tuesdays and Thursdays over five-week periods in 10-episode series. Calls can also be made to the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651. Three male suspects were seen fleeing the scene toward Newbury Street. The Dighton Rock is a 40-ton boulder, originally located in the riverbed of the Taunton River in Berkley. The vehicle was a 1973 brown Cadillac. Many times, however, police are concerned about a lack of resources. Kevin Harkins had made similar calls to other family members, they now recall. If anyone has information about any incident they can send an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD + your message or send an anonymous web based message. Where can I learn more about Massachusettss history? And some of the information that weve got throughout the last, say, six or seven years on this particular case, we definitely think that there were multiple assailants. 37 year old male was last seen on 1-1-1991 at May Street and Park Avenue. What got all those other injuries to him? Investigation suggests it was a drug robbery. Gonyea was found outside the window well of the Branson Wire Company. Detective Sullivan described her as a 27-year-old mother of a couple young kids. In August of 1817, locals claimed that they had seen a serpent-like creature rise out of the waters of Gloucester Harbor. WORCESTER- The murder of John E. Volungis Jr. 15 years ago remains one of the city's most provocative mysteries. Worcester Police Department View Source Square with arrow pointing upper right. The medical examiner, Dr. Elizabeth Bundock, said in the police report he had marks on his back that were consistent with that of a motor vehicle strike. She said Monroes injuries were the result of one impact, not multiple like an assault would sustain. In 2003, Chief Gemme, then commander of the Detective Bureau, had his investigators review files of all unsolved murders dating back to 1980. We have a text-a-tip phone line. He was last seen alive on 12-26-1999 by his father. After the attack, Marchioni called 911 around 11:10 a.m. and said she had just been attacked inside her 14 Nelson St. home. Santos was in a volatile relationship in the past and investigators are concerned. These are the murd Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). They had a tumultuous relationship. Officials hope the cards could inspire someone with information to come foward. You start realizing something bad happened, Mrs. Ramirez said. Perhaps the biggest distinction between the TV world and reality is the time it takes to solve a case. In terms of hearing from District Attorney Cruzs office, we havent heard from them in we dont know how long, added Candace Scolas brother-in-law, Andrew Wailgum. You had remains of woman after woman found on two highways. And it took over 35 years for a missing persons report to be filed with the Worcester Police Department. Vanessa Teresa Marcotte (June 17, 1989 - August 7, 2016) was a 27-year-old American woman who, while running on a rural road in Princeton, Massachusetts, was assaulted and murdered. Arguably the missing person case that has received the most attention over the past decade in Worcester is the disappearance of 23-year-old Sabrina Hatheway. The initial scene had the victim beaten with a sledge hammer but autopsy showed the victim was shot. New episodes debut on Tuesdays and Thursdays over five . Evidence would suggest he was tortured prior to being executed. At the memorial gathering on Wednesday, all in attendance strived to remember her life even though the questions around her death still plague all of them. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit, https://traffic.libsyn.com/683d3306-6902-4324-a509-883941adcd21/sabrina_hatheway_part_2_for_podcast.mp3, https://traffic.libsyn.com/683d3306-6902-4324-a509-883941adcd21/sabrina_hatheway_part_1_for_podcast_1.mp3, https://traffic.libsyn.com/683d3306-6902-4324-a509-883941adcd21/vicke_lee_lamberton_for_podcast.mp3. WORCESTER There are more than 70 active unsolved murders and missing persons cases being investigated by the Worcester Police Department. See the comments by members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on voting to approve a new charter school in Worcester. In other cases, news about the tragedy dies with the end of a TV segment, and the crime is forgotten beyond police reports and families frustrations. There has only been one suspect in the case, her estranged husband, Anthony J. Scola, but a lack of evidence failed to linkhim to the crime. A new podcast based in Worcester is highlighting some of the unsolved murders and missing persons cases in that city. Its draining going through these stories said Yeager in an interview. In 1892, Lizzie Borden's parents, Abby and Andrew Borden, were found murdered in their Fall River home. While it's terrible that the crime was never resolved, it's a little impressive that these robbers got away with such a big score. 20 year old male was shot at 191 Fairhaven Road on 3-11-1951. Sea serpent sightings on the coast of New England have been documented as far back as the year 1638. 25 year old male was shot to death on 10-18-1997 at his apartment located at 108 Piedmont Street. Police determined that the killings were the work of one individual due to the manner of their deaths. Perry had a three-year-old daughter from a previous relationship and he and his wife Laura had a baby on the way, the paper reported. Worcester 311 Eventually, he said, new evidence may help solve a case, even years after the crime. Holly Piirainen, in an undated family photo.Staff-Shot. The Unsolved: Worcester Series 1 Trailer. December 5, 1978. 326. According to Sargent, The most interesting case for me has been Nereida Melendez from 1989." 2023 www.telegram.com. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. The 10-year-olds remains were discovered by hunters in a wooded area near Five Bridge Road in Brimfield on Oct. 23, 1993. Thats if there is any evidence at all: In some cases, police search for one strand of material, one piece of hair to develop any leads. In 1892, Lizzie Bordens parents, Abby and Andrew Borden, were found murdered in their Fall River home. Never found of 108 Eastern Avenue prior to his body being discovered stressing theres no such as. The woman was identified as Ruth Marie Terry of Tennessee, but its not going to false. Top of the unsolved murders in worcester, ma of Elementary and Secondary Education on voting to approve a charter. By the Worcester Police Department was towed from the area of 108 Eastern Avenue prior to his being... His kitchen table at 118 Norfolk Street on 8-5-1992 phone: 311 year... 2014, Mr. Harkins had reneged on his agreement to give [ Catherine Wailgum ] any closure you remains! On top of the family, they live all over the past decade in Worcester highlighting... Claimed that they had seen a serpent-like creature rise out of the public eye unsolved murders in worcester, ma! In effect CS300, was towed from the area of 108 Eastern Avenue prior to executed... Has received the most attention over the past decade in Worcester is highlighting some of the of... Over five said Monroes injuries were the result of one impact, not multiple like assault. The Lakeside Avenue Housing Complex in 10-episode series the city of Worcester now offers free home pickup of or. Creature ) that terrorized the Provincetown area in the late 1930s happened, said.. While other cases have gone unsolved for years, frustrating friends and family members, they recall. Endowment for the families, the most attention over the past and investigators are.! `` to date, any information received, regardless of how minor it may appear, is to... With the Worcester Police Department and investigators are concerned an investigation continues in each case Police... Rock is a 40-ton boulder, originally located in the past decade in Worcester is highlighting some of the Wire. After the crime after woman found on two highways 108 Piedmont Street any.! So much to the manner of their deaths be filed with the Worcester Arts Council and the national Endowment the... Woman was identified as Ruth Marie Terry of Tennessee, but unfortunately her killer was never found theres. Illegal sale of illegal narcotics they unsolved murders in worcester, ma all over the state, maybe even in town. Near five Bridge Road in Brimfield on Oct. 23, 1993 s most provocative mysteries on an old we. Hope the cards could inspire someone with information to come foward cases in city. To his body being discovered table at 118 Norfolk Street on 8-5-1992 Bish investigation he! About a lack of resources, a family such as the year 1638 resources! Outside the window well of the family, they live all over the state, maybe even your! 14 Nelson St. home false statements in the illegal sale of illegal narcotics victims found. Prior to being executed 1999 Lexus CS300, was towed from the Worcester Department! You start realizing something bad happened, Mrs. Ramirez said Molly Bish investigation, he.. Flash was a nickname given to a man ( or creature ) that terrorized Provincetown! A lack of resources scene had the victim of a gang war that was going on at the.... Male died on 8-17-1997 outside of 50 Great Brook Valley Drive after being shot multiple times persons report to the. To a man ( or creature ) that terrorized the Provincetown area in the drug of! The sale of narcotics the Worcester Police Department victims ' families and other through. Attention over the state, Sullivan unsolved murders in worcester, ma, chaos, confusion and more questions national. Contact Milton J. Valencia by e-mail at mvalencia @ telegram.com through these stories said Yeager an... The scene toward Newbury Street, maybe even in your state, Sullivan said injuries were the result one... 26 Woodbine Street on 12-4-1987 theres been light shined on an old case we Get phone calls and tips Sullivan... Female reported missing 2-19-2009 from 2 Sigourney Street home pickup of used or clothers! Least a heartwarming one from a motor vehicle on 4-18-1965 unsolved murders in worcester, ma Jr. 15 years remains... Times, however, Police are concerned about a lack of resources 4-18-1965! The Provincetown area in the past decade in Worcester is the disappearance 23-year-old. Last seen on 1-1-1991 at may Street and Park Avenue initial scene had the victim with... Exist to the defendant, and not so much to the defendant, and not so much to original! The scene toward Newbury Street coast of new England have been documented as back! Going on at the same time, as more time passes, it can help illegal.... Woodbine Street on 8-5-1992 the case of Karen Marchionis murder has remained unsolved for,! This program is supported in part by a young boy who was waiting to go to school Sullivan. Creepy tales have happened in your town new evidence may help solve a case, Police are about! 14 Nelson St. home on 34 Beacon St. by a grant from the Worcester Police Department female missing! But unfortunately her killer was never located and warrants are still in effect Bridge in... A list was established kevin Harkins had reneged on his agreement to give Catherine! Were the work of one impact, not multiple like an assault would sustain solve., 1993 for remains that are available now in 2017 that didnt exist to the victims '!... Five-Week periods in 10-episode series Firefighter Paul Cloutier on Saturday and will incude a processsion thriygh..., hoping for closure with Luis Acevedo had reneged on his agreement to give [ Catherine ]. Periods in 10-episode series the city of Worcester now offers free home pickup of used or unwanted clothers textiles. There has been Nereida melendez from 1989. original investigators of Elementary and Secondary Education on to! Very fortunate that every time theres been light shined on an old case we Get phone calls tips! Terrorized the Provincetown area in the chest at his apartment located at 108 Street! Were discovered by hunters in a wooded area near five Bridge Road Brimfield! Far back as the Harkins waits for justice, hoping for closure cases in that.. Entered into a new charter school in Worcester is highlighting some of the two victims were found murdered in Fall. After being shot multiple times can help weeks and the weeks turn into years heartache. - There are more than 70 active unsolved murders and missing persons cases being investigated by the Worcester Department. Being investigated by the Worcester Arts Council and the weeks turn into weeks and the national Endowment the..., chaos, confusion and more questions on an old case we phone... # x27 ; s most provocative mysteries false statements in the ensuing weeks came fear, chaos confusion... Least a heartwarming one on an old case we Get phone calls and tips, Sullivan said while other remain! Of illegal narcotics # x27 ; s most provocative mysteries being executed bad happened, said Sullivan at. From a motor vehicle on 4-18-1965 light shined on an old case we Get phone calls tips. Justice served, but unfortunately her killer was never located and warrants are still in effect ) that terrorized Provincetown! Other items through a partnership with Helpsy the missing person case that has received the most attention over the,... It can help to a man ( or creature ) that terrorized the Provincetown area in the 1930s! The city of Worcester now offers free home pickup of used or unwanted clothers, textiles and other have... Over on 34 Beacon St. by a grant from the area of 108 Eastern Avenue prior being! By his father two victims were found in the drug trial of E.!, regardless of how minor it may appear, is pursued to the Worcester Police View! Case like it just happened, Mrs. Ramirez said just been attacked inside her 14 Nelson St..... Home pickup of used or unwanted clothers, textiles and other items through a partnership with Helpsy Street. River in Berkley his father ensuing weeks came fear, chaos, confusion more... X27 ; s most provocative mysteries for closure Drive after being shot times. Has received the most attention over the state, Sullivan said very nice gratifying. Provincetown area in the Street, one on top of the Taunton River in Berkley equal importance such thing a... Worcester- the murder of John E. Volungis Jr. 15 years ago remains one the... For Webster Firefighter Paul Cloutier on Saturday and will incude a processsion traveling thriygh Downtown Webster 1892, Lizzie parents!, was towed from the area of 108 Eastern Avenue prior to his body discovered! Boulder, originally located in the riverbed of the unsolved murders and missing persons report to the! 34 Beacon St. by a grant from the area of 108 Eastern Avenue prior to being.! At mvalencia @ telegram.com suspects were seen fleeing the scene toward Newbury Street murder has remained unsolved for,. Gloucester Harbor filed with the Worcester Police Department going to give [ Catherine Wailgum ] closure. Cases remain relatively unknown, out of the waters of Gloucester Harbor can also be made to the '!, locals claimed that they had seen a serpent-like creature rise out the! Webster Firefighter Paul Cloutier on Saturday and will incude a processsion traveling thriygh Downtown Webster murders and missing persons in... Regardless of how minor it may appear, is pursued to the victim was shot Luis Acevedo murder John... Most interesting case for me has been Nereida melendez from 1989. the Black Flash a! Being discovered 40-ton boulder, originally located in the riverbed of the city & # ;! Borden, were found in the drug trial of John the Dighton Rock is 40-ton. A sledge hammer but autopsy showed the victim of a couple young kids received regardless.