News

SOUTHBOROUGH – A teenaged driver will be arraigned today in Westborough District Court on charges connected to a car crash on Southville Road that killed one teenager and critically injured another man earlier this month, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Ian M. Schimke, 18, of 8 McCarthy Circle, Framingham was arrested last night and was charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation; leaving the scene after causing personal injury resulting in death; and operating a motor vehicle negligently to endanger.

Jamoan James, 18, of Apartment No.208 at 8 Greenview St.,, Framingham, was pronounced dead at MetroWest Framingham Hospital. Diego Mauro, 21, of Apartment No. 6 at 8 Greenview St., Framingham is recovering from injuries received in the crash. Two other occupants of the car driven by James fled after the crash. One was picked up by another car and later walked into the emergency room at MetroWest Framingham Hospital. The other occupant left on foot.

Soon after what appeared to be a one-car accident at about 11:18 p.m. on December 8, investigators began developing evidence of a second car that must have fled the scene. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Schimke, who police believe was driving the car that caused the crash.

“Things are not always as they seem,” Early said. “This is an example of good police work by

investigators from several jurisdictions. I want to thank Southborough Police Framingham Police and Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone for their assistance in this case.”

The investigation by the State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester District Attorney’s Office and Southborough Police revealed that Schimke was driving a 1998 Chevy Lumina and James was driving a 2003 Dodge Intrepid on the night of the crash. Schimke’s vehicle had pursued James’s vehicle from Ashland into Southborough.

As both vehicles were travelling westbound on Southville Road at speeds exceeding the posted limits, Schimke’s car pulled behind James’s car and intentionally struck its rear fender. Shortly thereafter, Schimke’s car crossed into the eastbound lane, pulled along the left side of James’s car and intentionally struck its rear quarter panel. This crash caused James’s car to immediately lose control, spin off the eastbound side of Southville Road, and crash into a tree.

Immediately following the crash, Schimke’s car slowed down, drove by the crash scene and then drove away. At no time did the Schimke stop and identify himself or report this crash to the authorities.
State Police Detectives, State Police Accident Reconstruction Section, Southborough Police and Framingham Police all contributed to the investigation, which is continuing.

WORCESTER – Cocaine and heroin were seized and two city men were arrested after State Police Detectives and Worcester Police Gang Unit officers launched a coordinated attack last week on a house on 272 Pleasant St.

About one and a half kilograms of cocaine and 65 grams heroin were seized along with various devices used in the preparation of the drugs for sale.

Florentino Santos, also known as Papo, 33, of 10 Newbury St., apt. 17, and Hector Hernandez Regaldo, 20, 10 Newbury St, apt. 10 were charged with trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams; trafficking in heroin over 28 grams; and selling drugs in a school zone. They were arraigned in Central District Court and their cases were continued to Friday (November 7) for further arraignment.

“This is another example of the benefits of inter-agency collaboration,” said Police Chief Gary Gemme. “By pooling resources and coordinating intelligence we can make an immediate impact in the neighborhood. We will continue to look for opportunities to work together throughout the city.”

The seizure and arrests occurred in the city’s Weed and Seed target area which encompasses Pleasant Street, from Main Street to Park Avenue. The Weed and Seed program is funded by an annual grant of $175,000 from the federal Department of Justice and is a partnership among the City of Worcester, Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. and                

community groups. The money is used to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in the target area.

“This is the type of coordination and commitment by law enforcement and community agencies needed to stabilize our neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents in our community,” said City Manager Michael V. O’Brien. “Through this program and other programs targeting neighborhood revitalization, we are making significant and visible changes in the Pleasant Street neighborhood.”

The extensive investigation into cocaine and heroin sales was initiated in the summer State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office and the Worcester Police Department. Confidential sources, undercover surveillance, and extensive intelligence gathering were used.

Drug seizures began on October 21 concluded October 22 when two search warrants were simultaneously executed at a large, multi-family dwelling at 272 Pleasant St. Assisting in the operation were the Worcester Police Gang Unit, Vice Squad and the State Police K9 Unit.

“The multi-agency approach fulfilled the promise of the Weed and Seed grant,” Mr. Early said. “This success improved the quality of life not only for the other 11 families living at 272 Pleasant Street, but for the entire neighborhood.”

WORCESTER — Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. and Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Mark F. Delaney announced today that Michael Bresnahan, the fugitive home invasion and assault suspect who was captured in Oregon in August, was returned to Massachusetts today.

Members of the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), who along with US Marshals pursued Bresnahan for a year until his capture, flew to Oregon Monday to take custody of the defendant. State Police returned to Logan Airport with Bresnahan this afternoon and brought him to Worcester County.

Bresnahan, 36, formerly of Winchendon, is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow in Winchendon District Court on a charge of burglary. The investigation by the District Attorney’s into other charges is ongoing.

“I think we all have been been inspired by the courage of the victim,” District Attorney Early said. “I want to commend everyone in law enforcement from here to Oregon who had a hand in bringing Bresnahan to justice.”

Bresnahan is accused of breaking into the Winchendon home of a 61-year-old woman early on the morning of Aug. 30, 2007 and, while armed with a knife, holding her against her will and assaulting her for more than two hours.

Based on evidence gathered during a subsequent investigation, Winchendon Police obtained an arrest warrant for Bresnahan out of the Winchendon District Court. Soon after, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section began searching for Bresnahan.

“From one end of the country to the other, through the course of an entire calendar year, the commitment of the Worcester District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police and US Marshals Service to find this violent fugitive never wavered,” Col. Delaney said. “Today we brought him back to answer for the suffering he inflicted on his victim. We are grateful to all our law enforcement partners, including police in Oregon, who helped us fulfill that mission.”

The manhunt for Bresnahan by State Police and US Mrshals would stretch from Massachusetts to the Pacific Northwest, and included several appeals to the public on the television show “America’s Most Wanted” and other media outlets for help in locating the suspect.

On Aug. 2 of this year, Bresnahan was spotted in a Wal-mart in Springfield, Oregon, and seen again later that night walking along Interstate 5.

Police blanketed the area with Bresnahan’s wanted poster and Massachusetts State Police and US Marshals notified police agencies throughout the Pacific Northwest, and into British Columbia, that the fugitive was in their region.

On Aug. 17, police received a tip that Bresnahan had been spotted in a Safeway Convenience store in Cottage Grove, Oregon, where he allegedly stole beer. US Marshals verified that the beer thief was Bresnahan by viewing footage from the store’s security camera, and then began blanketing the town with wanted photos of the suspect. Marshals and local police also began an intensive search of forested areas around Cottage Grove because Bresnahan had purchased camping equipment in the Wal-mart on Aug. 2.
A day later, on Aug. 18, local police in Cottage Grove, Oregon received a tip that Bresnahan had been spotted walking along railroad tracks in that town. An off-duty Cottage Grove officer, who heard of the sighting, drove toward the tracks in his personal vehicle, saw Bresnahan there, and called for other officers to assist him.
As Cottage Grove police officers began to converge on the area, Bresnahan started to run along the railroad tracks and then onto a street that crosses over the tracks. The off-duty officer, still pursuing in his personal vehicle, caught up to Bresnahan and ordered him to the ground at gunpoint as other officers arrived and handcuffed the suspect.

Bresnahan’s arrest was the result of a cooperative, multi-agency law enforcement effort that involved the Massachusetts State Police, the US Marshals Service, the US Forest Service, the Office of Worcester County District Attorney Early, the Winchendon Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and the Springfield, Oregon, and Cottage Grove, Oregon, Police Departments. Police noted the assistance of the general public and the media in generating tips throughout the manhunt for Bresnahan, who was featured on the national television program “America’s Most Wanted” and on local media outlets in Massachusetts and Oregon.

AUBURN – Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. warned the public today to be aware of a potential health risk to anyone who eats lobsters that were purchased from the back of a truck in the past two days.

A tractor trailer carrying a load of lobsters and fish was condemned by the Webster Board of Health after the tractor trailer was involved in a motor vehicle accident Sunday morning on Route 395 in Webster. Many of the lobsters ended up on the side of the road and were without refrigeration for a period of time.

However, police later learned that the condemned lobsters were being sold.

An investigation headed by the Environmental Police, and assisted by the State Police

Detectives assigned to the Worcester District Attorney’s office and the Auburn Police, revealed that lobsters from the condemned load were being illegally sold in the area of Routes 12 and 20 in Auburn.

The unsold lobsters were seized by Environmental Police and will be destroyed.

“The public should be aware of the potential health risks,” said Mr. Early. “Anyone who purchased lobster from the back of a truck, or another source, at an abnormally low price should consider discarding it.”
The investigation into what happened to the lobsters after the crash is continuing.

AUBURN – Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. warned the public today to be aware of a potential health risk to anyone who eats lobsters that were purchased from the back of a truck in the past two days.

A tractor trailer carrying a load of lobsters and fish was condemned by the Webster Board of Health after the tractor trailer was involved in a motor vehicle accident Sunday morning on Route 395 in Webster. Many of the lobsters ended up on the side of the road and were without refrigeration for a period of time.

However, police later learned that the condemned lobsters were being sold.

An investigation headed by the Environmental Police, and assisted by the State Police

Detectives assigned to the Worcester District Attorney’s office and the Auburn Police, revealed that lobsters from the condemned load were being illegally sold in the area of Routes 12 and 20 in Auburn.

The unsold lobsters were seized by Environmental Police and will be destroyed.

“The public should be aware of the potential health risks,” said Mr. Early. “Anyone who purchased lobster from the back of a truck, or another source, at an abnormally low price should consider discarding it.”
The investigation into what happened to the lobsters after the crash is continuing.

WORCESTER – Two Shrewsbury teenagers were indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury today on a variety charges stemming from a fire that destroyed six businesses in the Northborough Shopping Center, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

The two defendants were joined by a third Shrewsbury teenager in indictments alleging they firebombed a teacher’s car in Shrewsbury.

The Grand Jury returned 14 indictments against Nicholas Couture, 18, of 33 Cross St., Shrewsbury: burning a building; malicious explosion; malicious damage to a motor vehicle; breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony; injury to a depository; larceny in a building; larceny over $250; three counts of larceny under $250; two counts of intimidating a witness; attempted larceny; and willful throwing or placing of explosives.

The Grand Jury returned 11 indictments against Matthew Cramer, 18 of Gage Lane, Shrewsbury: willful throwing or placing of explosives; malicious damage to a motor vehicle; burning a building; breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony; injury to a

depository; larceny in a building; conspiracy; three counts of larceny under $250; and malicious explosion.

The Grand Jury also indicted Evan Brown, 17, of 31 Ball St., Shrewsbury on charges of malicious damage to a motor vehicle; malicious explosion; and willful throwing or placing of explosives.

Couture and Brown are both being held without bail. Cramer will be summoned to court to face the charges. All three face arraignment in Worcester Superior Court next month. A specific date has not been set. Brown, who was 16 and therefore a juvenile at time of his alleged participation in the crimes, was indicted under the Youth Offender statute and will be tried as an adult.

The three defendants are charged in the firebombing of a teacher’s car in Shrewsbury in March. Less than a week later, Couture and Cramer allegedly broke into O’Brien’s 5 and 10 Store in the Northborough Shopping Plaza, stole cash and a large quantity of Massachusetts Lottery tickets and then set the store on fire. The resulting five-alarm fire destroyed plaza and caused an estimated $2 million in losses.

FITCHBURG – Human remains have been discovered in a wooded area in the rear of the 600 block of Water Street, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Investigators have been working over the weekend to identify the skeletal remains, which had been in the woods for between six months and two years. No identification has been made. State Police Detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office and Fitchburg detectives are treating the area as a crime scene.

The bones were found Friday morning by several children who were playing in the woods. The Office of the Chief

Medical Examiner has accepted the case and will be examining the remains.

State Police Crime Scene, State Police K-9, Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section and State Police Chemists have contributed to the investigation.

FITCHBURG – One man is dead and another critically wounded in shootings last night in the Congress Street neighborhood, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Nelson Ortega, 32 of 21 Rosecliff St., Boston suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at Leominster Hospital. Ryan J. O’Neill, 19, of 16 Grandfield Ave., Boston was shot in the back and was taken to Leominster Hospital. He was later transferred to the University of Massachusetts Medial Center in Worcester where he was in critical condition today.

The shootings happened shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday in a crowded neighborhood as people were celebrating the Fourth of July. Several shots were fired as firecrackers and other fireworks were exploding.

“There were several crime scenes on Congress and nearby,” Mr. Early said. “The victims were known to Boston area police. The State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and the Fitchburg Police are continuing their investigation.”

State Police Crime Scene Services, Chemists and Ballistics Sections are assisting in the investigation.

TEMPLETON – A woman was found dead today in her home, believed to have been killed by her estranged husband who then apparently killed himself. He was at the house in violation of an outstanding restraining order.

Bernadette J. LaRoche, 57, of 244 Otter River Road was found, apparently bludgeoned to death, in her office in the basement of her home. William R. LaRoche, 58, of 24 Kraft St., Gardner was found dead on the first floor.

“This is another tragic case of domestic violence that unfortunately we have seen become alarmingly more prevalent over the last year and a half,” said Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

“Templeton Police were aware of the restraining order and had checked the residence on a regular basis,” said Templeton

Police Chief David H. Whitaker.

Templeton Police were called to the home at about 1:40 p.m. after a business acquaintance of Ms. LaRoche could not get anyone to answer the door at the neat Cape Cod style house in a wooded section of town. Police forced entry. The ensuing investigation involved Templeton Police, State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, the State Police Crime Scene Service Section, State Police chemists and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Gardner Police and State Police assigned to the Athol barracks.

Ms. LaRoche had obtained restraining order against Mr. LaRoche on Dec. 28, 2007 and she had renewed the order in April.

WESTBOROUGH – A Shrewsbury teen-ager remains in custody today after he was arraigned on charges stemming from a fire that destroyed six businesses in the Northborough Shopping Center, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Nicholas Couture, 18 of 33 Cross St., Shrewsbury was charged with willful and malicious burning of a building; breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony; breaking into a depository; larceny from a building; malicious explosion; malicious damage to a motor vehicle; intimidating a witness; and larceny over $250.

Judge Vito Virzi found Couture in violation of his pre-trial probation in a pending case and ordered him held without bail for 60 days. The judge also set bail at $100,000 and continued the case to August 6 in Westborough District Court. Couture will serve 60 days in the Worcester County House of Correction before becoming eligible for bail.

The pre-trial probation violation stems from a charge of larceny over $250 on which Couture was arraigned in April. The charge was brought after Couture detected and removed a GPS monitor from his car. The device was                

planted by authorities under a search warrant approved by a judge. Couture was free on bail until his arrest Sunday night.

The malicious explosion and malicious damage to a motor vehicle charges stem from the firebombing of a teacher’s car in Shrewsbury in March. A juvenile, who was involved in the firebombing, was arraigned in Worcester Juvenile Court today. A third suspect has not been charged.

Less than a week later, Couture and an accomplice broke into O’Brien’s 5 and 10 Store in the Northborough Shopping Plaza. They stole cash and a large quantity of Massachusetts Lottery tickets. They then set the store on fire. The resulting five-alarm fire destroyed plaza and caused an estimated $2 million in losses. The other suspect has not been charged.

District Attorney Early praised investigators for their teamwork on the case including: Northborough Police and Fire Departments, Shrewsbury Police, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshall’s Office, State Fire Marshall Stephen D. Coan and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

UXBRIDGE – A motor vehicle homicide charge was sought today in Uxbridge District Court against a local man who allegedly caused a one-car crash last week in Douglas.

Colby M. Hillier, 22, a passenger in the car, was critically hurt, and died June 16 at the University of Massachusetts Hospital in Worcester. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said she died from massive trauma to the head and ruled her death accidental. The driver, Michael Murch, 31, also was transported UMass where he was treated and released. Both Murch and Hillier lived at 55 Mendon Road, Uxbridge.

District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said Murch will be charged with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence by negligent operation. Murch will be arraigned on that charge at his next court              

appearance on July 16. He is being held on $25,000 bail at the Worcester County House of Correction.

Murch was arraigned on June 11 on charges of operating under the influence of liquor serious bodily injury, reckless operation, marked lanes, possession class D substance and a seat belt violation and his case was continued to July 16.

The crash was reported to Douglas police early on the morning of June 10. The defendant’s 2004 Subaru Impreza had swerved off Gilboa Street in Douglas and hit a tree.

UPTON – The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that two bodies discovered dead in an Elm Street home on June 2 were the result of a murder-suicide, Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said today.

Dawn Armstrong, 37, of 31 Elm St., was a murder victim and died of multiple stab wounds that perforated her heart, lungs and liver, according to the autopsy conducted by Dr. Richard Evans of the ME’s office. Thomas Lizotte, 42, of 79 Thayer St., Millville committed suicide and died of a single stab wound to the heart, the autopsy revealed.

The bodies were discovered on the morning of June 2 after police were asked by Ms. Armstrong’s co-workers to check on her well-being. Police forced their into the locked, single-family home and found the bodies.

UXBRIDGE – A local man was arraigned today on several charges, including driving under the influence of liquor, after a one-car crash early Tuesday in Douglas left his passenger in critical condition at the University of Massachusetts Hospital.

Michael Murch, 31, of 55 Mendon Road, Uxbridge was arraigned in Uxbridge District Court on charges of operating under the influence of liquor serious bodily injury, reckless operation, marked lanes, possession class D substance and a seat belt violation.

Clerk Brian St. Onge set bail at $25,000 and continued the case for further arraignment before a judge in Uxbridge District Court on June 16.

The crash was reported to Douglas police at 1:18 a.m. Tuesday. The defendant’s           

2004 Subaru Impreza had swerved off Gilboa Street and hit a tree. Both Murch and his passenger, Colby M. Hillier, 22, of the same address, were transported UMass. Murch was treated and released from the hospital. Hillier remains in critical condition at the hospital.

An arrest warrant for Murch was issued out of Uxbridge District Court yesterday and today he surrendered to Hopedale police and was eventually brought to Uxbridge for arraignment.

EAST BROOKFIELD – Two local men were arrested on drug charges as the result of a multi-agency investigation that began with the East Brookfield Police and the State Police detectives assigned to the office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Ronald A. Cox, 41, and Brian M. Brunelle, 27, both of 101 Podunk Rd, East Brookfield were arraigned in Western Worcester District Court today. They were both charged with manufacturing and distributing a class D controlled substance (marijuana); possession of Class D controlled substance with intent to distribute; and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Judge Vito A. Virzi set bail at $500 for Cox and released Brunelle on personal recognizance. He ordered them to return to court on Aug. 4 for a pre-trial conference.

The arrests were made after a search warrant was executed at 101 Podunk Road by the State Police Detectives and         

members of the East Brookfield, Spencer, Charlton, Auburn, Brimfield and Wales Police Departments and the Worcester County Drug Task Force.

Seized in the raid were about 50 marijuana plants, miscellaneous packaged baggies containing a green vegetable matter, cell phones, grow lamps, water pumps, electrical timers, miscellaneous paperwork, photographs, cultivation charts, blower, air conditioner, ammunition, police equipment, and scales.

SUTTON – A Milford woman, indicted on 31 charges in an alleged sophisticated identity fraud and larceny scheme, was arraigned today in Worcester Superior Court.

Judge Peter W. Agnes Jr. ordered Charlotte Boehm, 54, of 9C Medway Road, Milford, held without bail for violating the terms of her probation. Her case was continued to May 20 for a pre-trial conference.

“I want to single out Sutton Police Lt. David Perry for his dogged work on this case,” said Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. “His persistence made these indictments possible.”

Ms. Boehm, who was using a motel room in Sutton, is accused of stealing credit card information from her job in catalog sales and using that information to make purchases with disposable telephones. The phones were purchased using aliases. At one point in the investigation, Lt. Perry combed through trash to find receipts for the purchase of the discarded phones. He also tracked the telephone numbers to jewelry purchases from GemsTV.

Ms. Boehm was indicted Thursday by the Worcester County Grand Jury Thursday on 12 counts of identity theft,   

eight counts of larceny over $250, seven counts of receiving stolen property under $250, and four counts of attempted larceny.

It is alleged that Ms. Boehm ordered about $80,000 in jewelry from GemsTV and received about $70,000 worth of jewelry. Ms. Boehm also allegedly used medical records to obtain identities and place fraudulent orders with ShopNBC. The receiving stolen property charges stem from Ms. Boehm obtaining medical records from three area hospitals.

Assistant District Attorney John A. O’Leary told the court today that Ms. Boehm was on probation for a “receiving stolen property scheme” involving an estimated $250,000 in merchandise. She has a pending case in Worcester Superior Court for allegedly using information from the medical records of cancer patients to fraudulently buy collectible coins. In another pending case, Ms. Boehm is alleged to have stolen her sister’s identity.

LUNENBURG – A Leominster youth overcome by carbon monoxide in the woods off Massachusetts Avenue Friday night was listed in stable condition today at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Jobanny Matias, 11, of 740 Central St., Leominster was upgraded yesterday after his condition was listed as critical over the weekend at Massachusetts General. Alejandro Thomasian, 9, of 178 St. Joseph Ave., Fitchburg, who was with Jobanny Friday night, died yesterday at the Boston hospital.

Dr. Mindy Hull of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Boston performed autopsy today on Alejandro and ruled the cause of death “carbon monoxide poisoning” and the manner “accidental,”

according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

The boys, along with their fathers and another adult had been driving in three vehicles on dirt trails through the woods off Massachusetts Avenue. At some point one of the vehicles became stuck and was partially submerged in water. As the adults worked to free the vehicle the boys were in the back seat.

The joint investigation by the Lunenburg Police and the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office is continuing.

LUNENBURG – One of two boys who were overcome by carbon monoxide in the woods off Massachusetts Avenue Friday night died today at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. and Lunenburg Police Chief Daniel Bourgeois.

Alejandro Thomasian, 9, of 178 St. Joseph Ave., Fitchburg was pronounced dead at 11:29 a.m. today. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy tomorrow. Jobanny Matias, 11, of 740 Central St., Leominster remains in critical condition at Massachusetts General.

“We just want to offer our thoughts and prayers to the families of these two boys,” Mr. Early said. “This is just a terrible tragedy.”

The boys had been flown by helicopter Friday night to the Boston Hospital from the UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Leominster campus. Earlier that night they had passed out in the back seat of a 1992 Jeep Cherokee that was partially submerged in muddy water in the woods.

The boys, along with their fathers and another adult had been driving in three vehicles on dirt trails through the

woods off Massachusetts Avenue. That area is popular with people who enjoy “off-roading.” At some point the Cherokee became stuck. As the adults worked to free the vehicle the boys were in the back seat.

When the adults realized the boys had passed out, they moved the boys to the other vehicle and brought them out of the woods to an auto body shop at 381 Massachusetts Ave. They were met there by Lunenburg Police and Lunenburg Emergency Medical Services, who performed CPR on the boys. The boys were brought by ambulance to the Leominster hospital.

“Our initial investigation points to this being a truly tragic accident,” said Chief Bourgeois. “Our hearts go out to the families of both boys. I want to commend the police officers and emergency personnel for their efforts to keep these boys alive.”

The joint investigation by the Lunenburg Police and the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office is continuing.

PHILLIPSTON – A Petersham man, who had stopped to help an accident victim on a Route 2 overpass last night, died from injuries he received after he jumped onto Route 2A to avoid another vehicle and was struck by a State Police cruiser heading to the original accident. Andrew S. Castonguay, 20, of 61 Briggs Road, Petersham was pronounced dead at Athol memorial Hospital about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Castonguay was heading west on Route 2 at about 8:30 p.m. when he came upon a rollover accident in the eastbound lane. Two other cars, traveling east, also stopped to assist the driver of the vehicle that rolled over. The driver was trapped in her car, which was blocking the eastbound lane. While the four Good Samaritans were trying to free the driver, another vehicle traveling east went into a skid on the icy road and was headed sideways toward them. Three of the good Samaritans jumped up on the guardrail to avoid being hit by the skidding vehicle. Castonguay jumped over the guardrail. Castonguay, apparently unaware that they were on an overpass, fell 20 to 30 feet onto Route 2A. Meanwhile, Trooper Mical O’Brien, with his                 

cruiser’s emergency lights flashing, was headed to the initial accident from Route 2A. O’Brien swerved left at the last second after seeing a incapacitated Castonguay in the roadway, but the cruiser did hit Castonguay. The driver of the first vehicle, Kelly a. Boudreau, 38, of 535 South Main St., Orange, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Athol Memorial Hospital. The other three Good Samaritans, Charles Leap and Daniel LeBlanc, both of 1 Healy Road Apt. 2, Worcester and Scott Wheeler, no information available, were not injured. Rishi Arora, 27, of 1040 North Pleasant St. apt 543 Amherst, who was driving the vehicle that skidded sideways toward the original accident, also was not injured. District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.’s office is investigating. The State Police Detectives assigned to his office, State Police assigned to the Athol Barracks and the State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section are assisting in the investigation.

BOLTON – A senior at Nashoba Regional High School died yesterday afternoon from injuries suffered when he was hit by a car driven by one of his friends on Fox Run Road. Francis J. Demeo, 19, of 315 Taylor Road, Stow was pronounced dead at University of Massachusetts Hospital in Worcester at about 4 p.m. He was transported to the hospital by Bolton Ambulance and Advanced Life Support. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was notified and has accepted the case. “This is a senseless tragedy,” said District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. whose office is overseeing the investigation of the crash. “This calls out for young people to be more careful in and out of moving vehicles. You can never underestimate the power of a moving vehicle.”

Demeo, a member of the wrestling team, was jogging to a teammate’s house before a scheduled 4:30 p.m. match. He was approached from behind by a car driven by teammate David Hayden, 17, of 118 Whitman St., Stow. Two other wrestling teammates, both juveniles, were passengers in the car. At some point the car struck Demeo. The driver called 911 and the two passengers ran to a nearby house to notify an adult of what happened. Bolton Police and the State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section are assisting the district attorney’s office. The investigation is continuing.

FITCHBURG – A 35-year old man died from stab wounds Tuesday night after he was found in the street near Second and Water streets, State Police Detectives and Fitchburg Police are looking for his killer. Isreal Rodriguez Jr., of Apartment 1 at 10 Winthrop St., was pronounced dead at 9:28 p.m. yesterday at Health Alliance Hospital in Leominster. He was transported there after Fitchburg Police received a 911 call at 9 p.m. reporting a man bleeding from multiple stab wounds on Route 12 (Water Street) near Second Street. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was notified and has accepted the case. An autopsy was scheduled for today. The investigation is continuing. State Police Detectives assigned to District   

Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.’s office and the Fitchburg Police are conducting the investigation. The State Police Chemist, the State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section processed the crime scene. The Fitchburg Fire Department provided auxiliary lighting of the crime scene and the State Police K-9 Section also assisted.

DUDLEY – A 52-year-old Webster man died today from injuries he received when his sports utility vehicle went out of control and struck a tree on Healy Road. Raymond L. Warrington of 22 Colonial Road, Webster was pronounced dead at about 2:15 p.m. at Hubbard Regional Hospital in Webster. He was transported to the hospital by Dudley Ambulance shortly after Warrington’s 1989 Chevrolet Blazer struck a tree near 41 Healy Road. Warrington was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The Office of the State Medical Examiner was notified. Dudley police had spotted Warrington’s Blazer at Center and Healy Road at about 12:45 p.m. Believing that Warrington’s driver’s license had been revoked, two police officers approached his vehicle. Warrington then sped

off and crashed into the tree about a half mile from the intersection. Police believe excessive speed was a factor in the crash. The State Police assigned to District Attorney Joseph D. Early’s office, the State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit and Dudley Police are investigating. Warrington had been in Dudley District Court earlier in the day on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, trespassing with a firearm, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. His case had been continued to Feb. 14.