2009 Press Release Archive

May 12, 2012

Armed Man Shot by Leominster Police

December 25, 2009

LEOMINSTER — A man who left UMass- Memorial Health Alliance today was shot by police after he accosted officers with a knife, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

The man, whose identity will not be released at this time, was still in surgery at UMass-Memorial Worcester today.

The man walked away from the hospital at about 11:40 a.m. and encountered Leominster Police several hundred yards away on Notre Dame Road. At least three Leominster officers were present and attempted to place the man in custody.

When the man produced a knife, the officers gave verbal commands which were ignored.

The confrontation eventually moved to the street in front of 13 Stearns Ave. The man was still armed with a knife. He ignored verbal commands and

was tasered by one of the officers. The taser was not effective. He was then shot once.

He was transported to Leominster Health Care Alliance where he was stabilized and transported to the UMass in Worcester. The investigation continues. Neither the names of the police officers nor the man who was shot will be released at this time.

Worcester Woman Indicted in Murder, Kidnapping

December 17, 2009

WORCESTER – Julie Corey, who was arrested last summer in New Hampshire with a new born baby, was indicted today for the murder of the baby’s mother by the Worcester County Grand Jury, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.

Ms. Corey, 35, of 3 Henry Terrace had been charged with kidnapping in the abduction of a baby girl that belonged to murder victim, Darlene Haynes, 23, of 94 Southgate St., No.2R. The Grand Jury handed up indictments for kidnapping and murder today.

Ms. Corey’s arraignment in Worcester Superior Court has not been scheduled. She is held without bail at the State Prison for Women in Framingham.

Ms. Haynes, who was about eight months pregnant, was found dead in her home on July 27. An autopsy by the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner revealed no

evidence of a fetus. The cause of death was “blunt force trauma, asphyxia by ligature strangulation and incision of abdomen,” according to the autopsy report. The manner of death is homicide.

Ms. Corey and her boyfriend Alex Dion, 27, were found with the baby at a family shelter in Plymouth, N.H. on July 29. Mr. Dion, who told police he thought the baby was his, has not been charged.

DNA testing indicted that the baby is the biological child of Ms. Haynes and her boyfriend Roberto Rodriquez. The baby is in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families.

Schuler Indicted For Murder in Beating of His Son

December 16, 2009

WORCESTER – A Worcester man, jailed in connection with the beating death of his 7-year-old son, was indicted on 10 charges, including murder, by a Worcester County Grand Jury, District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said today.

Leslie G. Schuler, 37, of 13 Arline St. was indicted for murder, three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault and battery, two counts of assault & battery on a child with substantial bodily injury, one count of assault & battery on a child with bodily injury and one count of reckless endangerment of a child.

Schuler, who is held without bail at the Worcester County House of Correction, is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on Dec. 23 in Worcester Superior Court.

His co-defendant in the case, Tiffany N. Hyman, 29, of the same address, was indicted in July for being an accessory        

after the fact, reckless endangerment, permitting assault and battery on a child with substantial injury, assault and battery on a child with bodily injury, and assault and battery on a child with substantial bodily injury.
Her next hearing in Worcester Superior Court is scheduled for Jan. 27. She is free on bail.

A badly bruised and unresponsive Turner was brought to St. Vincent Hospital on June 22 by Schuler and Hyman, his fiancée. Turner was transferred to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and died June 23. An autopsy performed by the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner revealed that the cause of the boy’s death was blunt force trauma and the manner of death was homicide.

Fitchburg Man Indicted For Murder of Wife Found in Suitcase

November 20, 2009

WORCESTER – The husband of a woman whose remains were discovered in a large suitcase in the woods off Route 395 in Oxford was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury today, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Asim Amran, 30, of 355 Summer St., 2nd floor, Fitchburg will be arraigned on a charge of murder in Worcester Superior Court. His arraignment has not yet been scheduled. He remains in custody and has been held without bail in the Worcester County House of Correction since his arrest in August.

The body of Faiza Malik, 27, of the same Summer Street apartment was found August 20 by a State Police K-9 Unit working with the State Police Detectives assigned to the           

District Attorney’s Office. The suitcase was found in a wooded area near the Route 395 exit for Depot Road in Oxford.

Ms. Malik emigrated from Pakistan to marry Mr. Amran several years ago. On January 4, the Fitchburg Police Department received a report from a relative of Ms. Malik that she was missing. Relatives reported that their last contact with Ms. Malik was on December 29, 2008.

Cooperative Effort Leads to Arrest in Stabbing

November 17, 2009

CHARLTON – A local man, stopped by Southbridge Police for driving while under the influence, was arrested tonight and charged in a stabbing earlier in the day, Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. announced.
Hiram Burgos Ortiz, 52, of 28 Harrington Road, apartment No. 40, was charged with armed assault with intent to murder, operating under the influence of alcohol and assault and battery on a police officer. He will be arraigned tomorrow in Dudley District Court.

“This is a tremendous example of cooperative police work that led to the apprehension of the suspect,” Mr. Early said. “We hope the victim makes a swift recovery.”

The victim, Alexander Marin, 17, of 243 Southbridge Road, apartment No.11, was brought to Harrington Hospital in Southbridge at about 3 p.m. by family members. He was treated for a stab wound to the abdomen there and later flown by helicopter to the University

Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester where he was in surgery tonight.

Charlton Police responded this afternoon to Harrington Hospital and to 28 Harrington Road, apartment No. 38 of the Cady Brook Apartment Complex. Charlton Police Chief James Pervier contacted the State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester District Attorney’s Office. As part of the ensuing investigation, the detectives put out a bulletin to other law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for Mr. Ortiz and his vehicle.

Less than two hours after the investigation began the suspect was under arrest in Southbridge. Mr. Ortiz was arrested in Southbridge after driving erratically and cutting in front of a Southbridge Police cruiser.
The investigation is continuing.

Westminster Standoff Suspect Dies of Gunshot Wounds

October 28, 2009

WESTMINSTER – The autopsy of a Westminster man, who exchanged gunfire with police at his home Sunday night, revealed that he died from gunshot wounds to his legs, Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. announced today.

Michael A. Membrino, 49, of 235 Minott Road was pronounced dead at Henry Heywood Hospital in Gardner at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Membrino opened fire with a handgun at two Westminster police officers. Police returned fire and two bullets struck Membrino, one in each leg.

The incident began earlier that night when, according to witnesses, Mr. Membrino was showing a handgun while making threats at Partners Pub in Fitchburg. An all points bulletin was issued at 8 p.m. and Mr. Membrino was located outside his home by the Westminster Police.

Mr. Membrino, who was wearing body armor, fired at police and retreated toward his

home. Police returned fire, but did not know if Mr. Membrino had been hit. Police believed Mr. Membrino was in the house. The Massachusetts State Police STOP team, Air Wing, and K9 units arrived and provided assistance.

The Air Wing eventually discovered Mr. Membrino in front of house near the entrance.

He was rushed to the hospital, but died soon after he arrived. No one else was at the Membrino home at the time of the shooting.

The incident remains under investigation by State Police Detectives assigned to the Office of the District Attorney. They are being assisted by the Westminster Police, State Police Crime Scene Services and Ballistics Sections.

Westminster Man Killed in Standoff

October 26, 2009

WORCESTER – A Westminster man was killed last night after exchanging gunfire with police.

Michael A. Membrino, 49, of 235 Minott Rd in Westminster was pronounced dead at Henry Heywood Hospital in Gardner last night following an incident that began in a Fitchburg bar and ended in gunfire in Westminster.

According to witnesses, Mr. Membrino brandished a handgun while making threats at Partners Pub in Fitchburg. A BOLO was issued and Mr. Membrino was located outside his home by the Westminster Police.

Mr. Membrino, who was wearing body armor, initiated an exchange of gunfire with police and retreated toward his home. At that time, the Massachusetts State Police

STOP team, Air Wing, and K9 units provided additional assistance resulting in the discovery of Mr. Membrino near the front of his home suffering from a gunshot wound.

The incident remains under investigation by State Police Detectives assigned to the Office of the District Attorney. They are being assisted by the Westminster Police, State Police Crime Scene Services and Ballistics Sections.

Worcester DA Directs Detectives in Marblehead Case

October 14, 2009

WORCESTER – The suspect in the murder of a Clinton woman, apparently killed himself last night in Virginia as police moved in to arrest him, District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said today.

Alexander Skowran, 22, a Fitchburg State College senior from Pasadena, Maryland, was named as a suspect in the strangulation killing of his former girlfriend Giselle Rodriguez, 23, of 1 Coolidge Place, apartment 205, Clinton.

An arrest warrant for Mr. Skowran was issued from Clinton District Court last night and police across the country were alerted that he was wanted for murder in Massachusetts.

Mr. Skowran’s car was spotted by local police in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn in Stephens City, Va. at 10:17 p.m. The Fredericks County Sheriffs Department assembled a tactical unit and attempted to contact Mr. Skowran when they heard a gunshot from his motel room. When police entered the room Mr. Skowran was dead.

“The death of Giselle Rodriguez and the other acts of domestic violence we’ve seen over the past three years shows that we are no where near where we need to be in stopping domestic violence,” Mr. Early said. “Everyone has to treat domestic violence more seriously. We have to be

vigilant in looking for signs of domestic violence and we have to speak up for those victims who cannot.”

Clinton Police had found Ms. Rodriguez dead in her apartment yesterday morning. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined Ms. Rodriguez was murdered by strangulation. Mr. Skowran’s mother had called from Maryland to ask police to check on Ms. Rodriguez’s well being.

Ms. Rodriguez and Mr. Skowran had been in a dating relationship, but earlier this year Ms. Rodriguez had been granted a three-day emergency restraining order against Mr. Skowran after he vandalized her apartment. Mr. Skowran had been ordered to stay away from Ms. Rodriguez as a condition of his probation stemming from the charges brought in the vandalism incident.

The autopsy of Mr. Skowran will be conducted by the Office of the Virginia State Medical Examiner in Manassas, Va.

Murder Suspect Found Dead in Virginia

September 22, 2009

WORCESTER – The suspect in the murder of a Clinton woman, apparently killed himself last night in Virginia as police moved in to arrest him, District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said today.

Alexander Skowran, 22, a Fitchburg State College senior from Pasadena, Maryland, was named as a suspect in the strangulation killing of his former girlfriend Giselle Rodriguez, 23, of 1 Coolidge Place, apartment 205, Clinton.

An arrest warrant for Mr. Skowran was issued from Clinton District Court last night and police across the country were alerted that he was wanted for murder in Massachusetts.

Mr. Skowran’s car was spotted by local police in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn in Stephens City, Va. at 10:17 p.m. The Fredericks County Sheriffs Department assembled a tactical unit and attempted to contact Mr. Skowran when they heard a gunshot from his motel room. When police entered the room Mr. Skowran was dead.

“The death of Giselle Rodriguez and the other acts of domestic violence we’ve seen over the past three years shows that we are no where near where we need to be in stopping domestic violence,” Mr. Early said. “Everyone has to treat domestic violence more seriously. We have to be

vigilant in looking for signs of domestic violence and we have to speak up for those victims who cannot.”

Clinton Police had found Ms. Rodriguez dead in her apartment yesterday morning. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined Ms. Rodriguez was murdered by strangulation. Mr. Skowran’s mother had called from Maryland to ask police to check on Ms. Rodriguez’s well being.

Ms. Rodriguez and Mr. Skowran had been in a dating relationship, but earlier this year Ms. Rodriguez had been granted a three-day emergency restraining order against Mr. Skowran after he vandalized her apartment. Mr. Skowran had been ordered to stay away from Ms. Rodriguez as a condition of his probation stemming from the charges brought in the vandalism incident.

The autopsy of Mr. Skowran will be conducted by the Office of the Virginia State Medical Examiner in Manassas, Va.

Statement of District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

September 7, 2009

Shortly after 4:30 a.m. Sunday September 6, 2009, a fight erupted on Mechanic Street in Fitchburg that left two teenagers dead, another teenager seriously injured and two men, who were also injured, charged with murder.
The investigation at this point leads us to believe that this entire incident was preventable had cooler head prevailed during a disagreement over parking outside a party at 96 Mechanic St., Fitchburg.

When police arrived there were three males on the ground bleeding and a fourth standing, but bleeding from the head and arm with serious injury. A fifth individual had less serious lacerations.

Nelson Geraldino, 18, Pedro Genoa, 17, and his brother Ronny Genoa, 18, were attending a party at 96 Mechanic St. They decided to leave at about 4:30 a.m., but their car was blocked by another car. This led to an argument with the Orville and Jose Carrion. Words were exchanged. A knife, handgun and machete were used in the ensuing fight.

Mr. Geraldino, who was stabbed several times, and pronounced dead at UMass Health Alliance Leominster Campus, at about 5:15 a.m. Pedro Genoa, who suffered a stab wounds and a gunshot wound, died later in the day at University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. Ronny Genoa remains at hospitalized in stable condition with gunshot wounds.

The Carrion brothers have been charged with murder and are being held $150,000 bail. Ronny Genoa, who is under police guard, is charged with assault to commit murder and mayhem. He is also held on $150,000 bail.

State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, Fitchburg Police, State Police Crime Scene Services, State Police Ballistics, State Police Collision and Accident Reconstruction, State Police Leominster and MedStar Ambulance are working on the investigation.

Two Teenagers Killed in Fitchburg Fight, Three Arrested

September 6, 2009

FITCHBURG – Two teenagers were killed and several others were injured in an early morning fight today on Mechanic Street, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Nelson Geraldino, 18, of 15 Crestview Lane and Pedro Genoa, 17 of 137 Medowbrook Lane were killed in the melee that erupted shortly after 4:30 a.m. today outside of 96 Mechanic St. Mr. Geraldino was pronounced dead at UMass Health Alliance Leominster Campus. He had suffered multiple stab wounds. Mr. Genoa, who had been flown by helicopter to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, died there. He had several wounds including a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Brothers, Orville Carrion, 22, and Jose Carrion, 27, both of 96 Mechanic St., Apartment #3 have been arrested and charged with murder. Mr. Genoa’s brother, Ronny Genoa, 18, of 137 Meadow Brook Lane was arrested and charged with assault with intent to murder and mayhem.

The Carrions were booked at the Fitchburg Police Station and are being held without bail. Carrions were treated for injuries at the Leominster hospital and released. The Carrions will be arraigned Tuesday in Fitchburg District Court. Ronny Genoa was admitted to UMass Medical Center with multiple gunshot wounds. He is under guard and also is held without bail.

Fitchburg Police responded to multiple 911 calls at about 4:43 a.m. with a reports of gunshots fired near 96 Mechanic St. Police found three victims on the ground with serious injuries and a fourth suffering from serious head and arm wounds. Police report that a disagreement arose about parking arrangements outside 96 Mechanic St. where a party was in progress.

State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and Fitchburg Police detectives and several units of the State Police continue to investigate.

Woman Found Murdered, Grandson Eyed

August 27, 2009

WORCESTER – DNA testing indicates the baby girl found in the custody of Julie A. Corey in New Hampshire on July 29 is the biological child of Darlene Haynes and Roberto Rodriquez, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Ms. Corey, 35, of 3 Henry Terrace and her boyfriend Alex Dion, 27, of the same address, were found with the baby at a family shelter in Plymouth, N.H. Ms. Corey, who told investigators the baby was hers, has been charged with kidnapping.

Ms. Corey was arrested in New Hampshire on a fugitive from justice charge. She is being held without bail by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections and faces an extradition hearing on Friday in Concord (N.H.) District Court. Mr. Dion was not charged.

No further charges are pending and the investigation is continuing into the death of Ms. Haynes, 23, of 94 Southgate St., No.2R.

Ms. Haynes, who was about eight months pregnant, was discovered dead in a closet of her home on July 27. An examination of the body by the state Office of the Chief

Medical Examiner revealed no evidence of a fetus.

“The scientific conclusions as reported by the testing lab, taken with all other evidence gathered in the investigation of the death of Darlene Haynes and the removal of her fetus, confirms for the purposes of the criminal investigation that the baby found with Julie Corey in New Hampshire belonged to Ms. Haynes,” Mr. Early said.

Genetic testing, conducted by Orchid Cellmark of Dallas, on samples taken from Ms. Haynes, her boyfriend Roberto Rodriguez and the baby girl found in New Hampshire on July 29 led to the scientific conclusion that Ms. Haynes’ probability of maternity is 99.91% as compared to an untested, unrelated female of the North American Caucasian population. The genetic testing also found that Rodriquez’s probability of paternity is 99.99% as compared to an untested, unrelated male of the North American Hispanic population.

The baby is in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families.

Kidnapped Baby Belonged to Murder Victim

August 26, 2009

WORCESTER – DNA testing indicates the baby girl found in the custody of Julie A. Corey in New Hampshire on July 29 is the biological child of Darlene Haynes and Roberto Rodriquez, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Ms. Corey, 35, of 3 Henry Terrace and her boyfriend Alex Dion, 27, of the same address, were found with the baby at a family shelter in Plymouth, N.H. Ms. Corey, who told investigators the baby was hers, has been charged with kidnapping.

Ms. Corey was arrested in New Hampshire on a fugitive from justice charge. She is being held without bail by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections and faces an extradition hearing on Friday in Concord (N.H.) District Court. Mr. Dion was not charged.

No further charges are pending and the investigation is continuing into the death of Ms. Haynes, 23, of 94 Southgate St., No.2R.

Ms. Haynes, who was about eight months pregnant, was discovered dead in a closet of her home on July 27. An examination of the body by the state Office of the Chief

Medical Examiner revealed no evidence of a fetus.

“The scientific conclusions as reported by the testing lab, taken with all other evidence gathered in the investigation of the death of Darlene Haynes and the removal of her fetus, confirms for the purposes of the criminal investigation that the baby found with Julie Corey in New Hampshire belonged to Ms. Haynes,” Mr. Early said.

Genetic testing, conducted by Orchid Cellmark of Dallas, on samples taken from Ms. Haynes, her boyfriend Roberto Rodriguez and the baby girl found in New Hampshire on July 29 led to the scientific conclusion that Ms. Haynes’ probability of maternity is 99.91% as compared to an untested, unrelated female of the North American Caucasian population. The genetic testing also found that Rodriquez’s probability of paternity is 99.99% as compared to an untested, unrelated male of the North American Hispanic population.

The baby is in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families.

Fitchburg Woman Found Dead, Husband Charged

August 21, 2009

FITCHBURG – The remains of a woman reported missing in January were discovered in a large suitcase yesterday in the woods off Route 395 in Oxford and her husband has been charged with murder, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

The body of Faiza Malik, 27, of 355 Summer St., 2nd floor, was found yesterday morning by a State Police K-9 Unit working with the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office. The suitcase was found in a wooded area near the Route 395 exit for Depot Road in Oxford.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case and will perform an autopsy.

Asim Amran, 30, of the same Summer Street apartment and the husband of the deceased, was arrested last night and charged with his wife’s murder. He was held at the Leominster State Police lockup overnight and is expected to be arraigned today in Fitchburg District Court.The couple’s only child, a 3-year-old boy, is being cared for by family members. The state Department of Children and Families has been notified.

Ms. Malik emigrated from Pakistan to marry Mr. Amran several years ago. On January 4, the Fitchburg Police Department received a report from a relative of Ms. Malik that she was missing. Relatives reported that their last contact with Ms. Malik was on December 29, 2008.

During the investigation by State Police detectives and Fitchburg Police, it was determined that a suitcase was missing from the Summer Street home shared by Mr. Amran and Ms. Malik. Mr. Amran told investigators that the suitcase was missing because his wife was leaving him. Relatives had said she had been storing items in the suitcase so she could eventually ship the items back to family in Pakistan.

Acting on a tip, State Police Detective Sgt. James Nanof, State Police K-9 Unit Sgt. Neil Raymond and his dog Excalibur were able to find the suitcase containing the remains of Ms. Malik yesterday morning. The investigation is continuing.

Fitchburg Man Shot Dead in His Doorway

August 12, 2009

FITCHBURG – A 27-year-old city man was shot dead after he answered the door of his Columbus Street apartment shortly before 2 a.m. today, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Freddie Santana, 27, of 156 Columbus St., apartment No. 12 was found dead in his doorway when Fitchburg Police responded to a 911 call. The victim suffered a gun shot wound. The MedStar Ambulance transported the victim to Health Alliance Hospital Leominster Campus where he was pronounced dead at 2:25 a.m.

State Police Detectives assigned to the District                

Attorney’s Office and the Fitchburg Police are investigating. State Police Crime Scene Services, State Police Ballistics, State Police Chemists, State Police from the Leominster Barracks and State Police K-9 Unit are assisting the investigation.

Princeton Teens May Have Run Away, Search Begun

August 11, 2009

PRINCETON – State and local authorities are seeking the public’s help in finding two 15-year-old girls who have been missing for more than a day and may have run away.

Sandra Olesin has been missing since 9 a.m. yesterday and Sara Mazyck has been missing since at least 6:00 p.m. yesterday. They are believed to be together, with mountain bikes possibly in the Auburn/Oxford area. The girls are dressed in dark clothes and wearing flip-flops on their feet.

State Police Detectives assigned to the office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. and Princeton Police are asking anyone who has seen the girls, or who has information about where they are, to call Princeton Police at 978-464-2928.

Victim Identified in Fitchburg; Murder-Suicide

August 4, 2009

FITCHBURG – A woman found dead in a Grove Street apartment has been identified as Lauren Bowen, 29, of 95 Central St., Apartment 1R, Leominster, Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said today.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined that Ms. Bowen died of a single gunshot wound to the back of the head, Mr. Early said. Ms. Bowen’s body was found Friday night in a bedroom of apartment No.1, 80 Grove St., Fitchburg.

Ha Yang, 25, of that same address, was sought in connection with the murder. He died at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester after shooting himself in the head Saturday afternoon.

State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and Fitchburg Police had been searching for Mr. Yang on Saturday when Westminster Police spotted Mr. Yang’s

vehicle at the Rodeway Motel on Route 2A in Westminster.

The State Police had made many attempts to contact Mr. Yang over several hours while he stayed in the motel room. Eventually tear gas was shot into the room and soon after that a single gunshot was heard from the room.

State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, Fitchburg Police, State Police Tactical Operations, Crime Scene Services Section, State Police Ballistics, State Police Leominster, State Police Athol, Westminster Police Department and Westminster Fire Department all contributed to the investigation.

Fitchburg Murder Suspect Shoots Himself in Westminster

August 1, 2009

FITCHBURG – A man sought by police in connection with the murder of a woman in Fitchburg, shot himself today after holing up in a Westminster motel room for several hours, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Ha Yang, 25, of apartment No.1, 80 Grove St., Fitchburg was brought by ambulance to Leominster Hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. There was no word yet on his condition. State Police had made many attempts to contact Yang over several hours while he stayed in the motel room.

After tear gas was shot into the room late in the afternoon, police heard a single gunshot and later found the wounded suspect. State and local police had gathered around the Rodeway Motel on Route 2A near Route 140 in

Westminster for most of the afternoon.

Yang had been sought in connection with the murder of a woman found dead in his 80 Grove Street apartment last night. The body, still unidentified, was found in a bedroom at that address at about 7:30 p.m. yesterday. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.

State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, Fitchburg Police and Westminster Police, and various units of the State Police are all working on the investigation.

Unidentified Woman Found Dead, Fitchburg Man Sought

August 1, 2009

FITCHBURG – State and local police detectives are seeking a 25-year-old city man after a woman was found dead in his apartment at 80 Grove St., last night, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

The body, still unidentified, was found in a bedroom at that address at about 7:30 p.m. yesterday. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.

State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and Fitchburg Police are searching for Ha Yang, 25, of apartment No.1, 80 Grove St. He has been named a person of interest in the case.

Hyman Arraigned Today in Turner Case

July 27, 2009

WORCESTER – Tiffany N. Hyman, 29, of 13 Arline St., was arraigned in Worcester Superior Court today on several charges connected to the beating death of 7-year-old Nathaniel Turner, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Hyman pleaded not guilty before Judge Peter W. Agnes Jr. to the following charges: being an accessory after the fact of assault and battery on a child causing substantial injury; reckless endangerment; permitting assault and battery on a child with substantial injury; assault and battery on a child with bodily injury; and assault and battery on a child with substantial injury.

Her bail was set at $5000 and if posted she must wear a            

global positioning system (GPS) monitor and have weekly meetings with a probation officer. Additionally, no contact is permitted between Hyman and codefendant Leslie G. Schuler.
Turner died June 23 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. His father Leslie G. Schuler, 36, also of 13 Arline St., has been charged with murder. He is expected back in Central District Court on Wednesday for a status hearing. He is being held without bail.

The state Office of the Chief Medical examiner has classified the death a homicide, but an autopsy report, including the cause of death, has not been completed.

Woman Indicted in Beating of Nathaniel Turner

July 21, 2009

WORCESTER – A Worcester woman charged in connection with the beating death of 7-year-old Nathaniel Turner was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury today, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Tiffany N. Hyman, 29, of 13 Arline St., was indicted for being an accessory after the fact, reckless endangerment, permitting assault and battery on a child with substantial injury, assault and battery on a child with bodily injury, and assault and battery on a child with substantial injury.

Her arraignment in Worcester Superior Court has not yet been set. She is in custody, held on $50,000 bail.

A badly bruised and unresponsive Turner had been brought to St. Vincent                 

Hospital June 22 by his father Leslie G. Schuler and Hyman, his fiancée. Turner was transferred to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and died June 23. The state Office of the Chief Medical examiner has classified the death a homicide, but an autopsy report, including the cause of death, has not been completed.

Schuler is charged with murder, assault to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault and battery on a child with substantial injury, and four counts of assault and battery on a child with injury. He is expected back in Central District Court on July 29 for a status hearing. He is being held without bail.

Sturbridge Toddler Dies in Driveway Accident

July 7, 2009

STURBRIDGE – A two-year-old boy apparently was accidentally killed today when he was struck by a minivan operated by his mother in the driveway of their home, according to the Worcester District Attorney’s Office.

The two-year-old boy apparently ran into the path of the vehicle. The mother was unaware the boy was behind the vehicle. He received emergency medical attention and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The State Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case and will conduct an autopsy. Sturbridge Police and the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office are investigating.

Man Hit and Killed by Fire Department Truck

May 22, 2009

WEBSTER – A 67-year-old town resident was killed this morning when he was hit by a town Fire Department pickup truck, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Philip J. Walach of 20 West Ave. was found under the truck at about 8:10 a.m. in the Fire Station at 55 Thompson Road. He was taken by ambulance to Hubbard Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Webster Fire Department Ford F-350 had just backed into the garage bay at the station when the victim was found under the vehicle.
The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case. The State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester District Attorney’s office, Webster           

Police, the State Police Crime Scene Services, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and the Collision Accident Reconstruction Section are all investigating.

Charge Issued in Case of Child Left on School Bus

May 21, 2009

UXBRIDGE – A charge of reckless endangerment of child against Peter D. Quinlan, 69, of 59 Nature View Drive was issued today in Uxbridge District Court. Mr. Quinlan will be arraigned on that charge on June 15 in Uxbridge District Court. The charge stems from an incident on May 11 in which a 3-year-old special needs child was left alone on a school bus in Northbridge.

Remains Found in Lancaster are Identified

May 8, 2009

LANCASTER – Humanremains found this week off Old Union Turnpike have been identified as those of Seanna L. Donnelly of Boston, who had lived in several north Worcester County communities, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Ms. Donnelly, 24, was also known as Jade Linda Donnelly. Her last known address was 363 Albany St., Boston, but she had also lived recently in Leominster and Winchendon. Before that she had lived in Everett, Fitchburg and Gardner. She grew up in Gardner as Lynn Seanna Goyette.

Ms. Donnelly had a record that included arrests for prostitution and drug abuse. She was last seen by her family in October.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is still working on the case. No cause

or manner of death has been determined.

“At this point in the investigation we see no connection between the death and disposal of Ms. Donnelly’s body and any outstanding homicide investigation in Worcester County,” Mr. Early said. “It appears Ms. Donnelly lived her life along the Route 2 corridor and did not frequently visit the city of Worcester.”

Ms. Donnelly’s remains were found by a resident of the Spectacle Pond area of town while he was walking his dog early Monday evening. The decomposing body had been in the wooded area near Old Union Turnpike for several months.

State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester District Attorney’s Office and Lancaster Police are investigating.

Human Remains Found in Lancaster

May 4, 2009

LANCASTER – Human remains were found early tonight at Old Union Turnpike and Fire Road #8, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

The remains were found by a neighbor who had been walking a dog in the area. The remains have not yet been identified. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case and the remains have been transported to Boston where an autopsy will be performed.

State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester District Attorney’s Office, State Police Crime Scene personnel and Lancaster Police are investigating.

Shrewsbury Man Found Deal in Lake

May 3, 2009

SHREWSBURY – A 39-year-old man was pulled unconscious from Lake Quinsigamond last night and brought to the University of Massachusetts Hospital in Worcester where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Christopher E. Cote of 1 Lakeway Road was found at about 7:30 p.m. near a capsized canoe about 150 yards from shore at 27 Nelson Point Road.

The State of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case and will conduct an autopsy. Shrewsbury Police, Environmental Police and State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office are investigating.

Shrewsbury Toddler Dies in Driveway Accident

April 29, 2009

SHREWSBURY – A two-year-old boy was killed last night when he was struck by a pickup truck driven by his father in the driveway of their home, according to the Worcester District Attorney’s office.

Eduardo DeOliveira Jr., 2, of 7 Power Ave. had been playing by a tree near the driveway with his 4-year-old sister and an 8-year-old neighbor at about 5:30 p.m. At about the same time his father Eduardo DeOliveira Sr., 40, was arriving home from work in a 1992 Ford pickup truck.

The boy apparently ran into the path of the truck. The father was unaware that truck had hit the boy. He was rushed to the University of Massachusetts Hospital in Worcester where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case and will conduct an autopsy. Shrewsbury Police and the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office are investigating.

Indictments Are Returned in Baldwinville Bank Robbery

April 27, 2009

TEMPLETON – Two town residents were indicted Friday by a Worcester County Grand Jury in connection with a November bank robbery in Baldwinville.

Nathan A. Morneault, 25, of 700 Patriots Road, Templeton was indicted on two counts of armed robbery and one of confining a person to commit a felony. Pamela R. Leblanc, 38, of 700 Patriots Road, Templeton was charged with one count of armed robbery. Their arraignment in Worcester Superior Court has not yet been scheduled.

The charges stem from the Nov. 7 robbery of the Colonial Co-Operative Bank in Baldwinville. Mr. Morneault is alleged to have entered the bank with his face covered and demanded money from a customer and two bank tellers. Ms. Leblanc is alleged to have driven Mr. Morneault to and from the robbery.

Northborough Man’s Death Ruled Accidental

April 13, 2009

NORTHBOROUGH – Mark S. Fidrych, 54, of 260 West St., died of accidental asphyxia by suffocation, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. An autopsy was performed this week by Dr. Richard Evans at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner at the University of Massachusetts Hospital in Worcester. Mr. Fidrych was found dead underneath a Mack Dump Truck on his farm on Monday. He appeared to have been working on the truck when his clothes became tangled in the truck’s power takeoff shaft, Mr. Early said.

Northborough Man Found Dead at Home

April 13, 2009

NORTHBOROUGH – Mark S. Fidrych, 54, of 260 West St. was found dead on his farm this afternoon, the victim of an apparent accident, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. Mr. Fidrych was found by a family friend underneath a Mack Dump Truck at about 2:30 p.m. He appeared to have been working on the truck at the time of the accident. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case. The State Police Detectives assigned to Mr. Early’s office are investigating.

Leominster Woman Killed, Husband Charged

March 26, 2009

LEOMINSTER – A 44-year-old woman was stabbed to death late last night by her husband in their home at 107 Pennacook Drive, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Silvia Rosa was found dead by police and emergency medical technicians who responded to 911 emergency call at 12:12 a.m. today for that address. It appeared that she had been stabbed several times. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner accepted the case and will conduct an autopsy.

Mizael Rosa, 45, who was home at the time, was taken into custody and was treated for a hand wound at Leominster Health Alliance Hospital.
After an investigation by the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and Leominster Police Detectives, Mr. Rosa was arrested and charged with murder. He will  

be arraigned later today in Leominster District Court.

“This appears to be a tragic case of domestic violence,” Mr. Early said. “Unfortunately we continue to see an increase in domestic violence cases. Our thoughts and prayers are with the other members of the family.”

“I want to commend the work of our officers with the Leominster Police and the State Police Detectives who are working on this case,” said Leominster Chief Peter Roddy.

The investigation is continuing.

Teen Found Dead in Fitchburg Woods

March 14, 2009

FITCHBURG – A 17 year-old boy was discovered dead in the woods near the Fitchburg Airport this afternoon, the day after he was involved in a one-vehicle, roll-over crash on Airport Road also known as Crawford Street, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Daniel Meier, 17, of 35 Pearl St., was found unresponsive in the woods less than a half mile from the crash scene this afternoon by Jonathan Diaz, 18 of 56 Railroad St. Meier was believed to be the driver of 1997 Acura that was speeding on Crawford Street at about 8:45 last night when it went out of control, rolled over and came to rest on its roof.

The two boys and two juvenile girls got out of the car and headed into the woods. When police arrived at the scene the driver and passengers were gone. Police conducted a              

search of the area but did not locate the teen-agers.

This afternoon Diaz returned the woods and found an unresponsive Meier. Fitchburg Fire and Rescue were called to the scene and found Meier dead. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has accepted the case and an autopsy will be performed.

The crash and its aftermath remain under investigation by the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, the Fitchburg Police and the State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit.

Action Firefighter Arrested in Motor Vehicle Death of Friend

March 6, 2009

WESTMINSTER – An Acton firefighter was arrested today and charged with motor vehicle homicide while driving drunk in the death of a fellow firefighter last week on Worcester Road.

James Routenberg, 24, of 17 Coolidge Ave., Westford, surrendered to Westminster Police today and was charged with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation. Mr. Routenberg’s blood alcohol level was .20, more than twice the legal limit for driving.

The single charge, a felony, is punishable by between to 2 ½ years to 15 years in state prison or between one year and 2 ½ years in the Worcester County House of Correction.

Mr. Routenberg will be arraigned later today in Gardner District Court. He is

also charged with civil infractions for speeding, a marked lanes violation and having no inspection sticker.

Leo Hayes, 36, of 164 Parker St., Maynard, a passenger in Mr. Routenberg’s 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was killed in the one-vehicle crash at about 5 p.m. on February 26. The sports utility vehicle went out of control on a bend in the road near 221 Worcester Road and struck a tree.

Mr. Hayes was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical technicians who responded to the crash. Mr. Routenberg was treated for injuries at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

The Worcester District Attorney’s Office, Westminster Police Detective Jeffrey Shampine and the State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit investigated.

Action Firefighter Dies in Westminster Crash

February 27, 2009

WESTMINSTER – One Acton firefighter was killed and another was injured when their sports utility vehicle went out of control yesterday afternoon near 221 Worcester Road and struck a tree.

Leo Hayes, 36, of 164 Parker St., Maynard, a passenger in the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical technicians who responded to the crash.

The driver, James Routenberg, 24, of 17 Coolidge Ave., Westford, was taken by helicopter to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center where he was treated last night and released.

The accident occurred at a point on Worcester Road (Route 140) where the road takes a sharp bend.

No charges have been brought, but the crash remains under investigation, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. Westminster Police Detective Jeffrey Shampine and the State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating.

Action Firefighter Arrested in Motor Vehicle Death of Friend

March 6, 2009

WESTMINSTER – An Acton firefighter was arrested today and charged with motor vehicle homicide while driving drunk in the death of a fellow firefighter last week on Worcester Road.

James Routenberg, 24, of 17 Coolidge Ave., Westford, surrendered to Westminster Police today and was charged with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation. Mr. Routenberg’s blood alcohol level was .20, more than twice the legal limit for driving.

The single charge, a felony, is punishable by between to 2 ½ years to 15 years in state prison or between one year and 2 ½ years in the Worcester County House of Correction.

Mr. Routenberg will be arraigned later today in Gardner District Court. He is

also charged with civil infractions for speeding, a marked lanes violation and having no inspection sticker.

Leo Hayes, 36, of 164 Parker St., Maynard, a passenger in Mr. Routenberg’s 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was killed in the one-vehicle crash at about 5 p.m. on February 26. The sports utility vehicle went out of control on a bend in the road near 221 Worcester Road and struck a tree.

Mr. Hayes was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical technicians who responded to the crash. Mr. Routenberg was treated for injuries at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

The Worcester District Attorney’s Office, Westminster Police Detective Jeffrey Shampine and the State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit investigated.


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