Feb. 12, 2014
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Connolly 508 368-7236
or Paul Jarvey 508-368-7241
WORCESTER – A Worcester Superior Court jury found Julie A. Corey guilty of first-degree murder today in the 2009 slaying of an acquaintance whose fetus was cut from her womb, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
The verdict, which came after 10 hours of deliberation, carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole. Judge Janet Kenton-Walker scheduled sentencing for Tuesday.
“This was a very complicated case,” Mr. Early said. “The verdict is a credit to the skill and professional work of our prosecution team — Dan Bennett, Terry McLaughlin, Elizabeth Brennan and Jennifer Roedel – as well as the thorough investigation of the Worcester Police Department, and the State Police Crime Lab.”
The body of Darlene L. Haynes, 23, was found in a closet of her Southgate Street apartment on July 27, 2009. Evidence presented at trial determined that she had been bludgeoned and strangled late on July 23 or early July 24.
DNA evidence and a fingerprint on a liquor bottle tied Ms. Corey, 39, to the scene.
Testimony also showed that Ms. Corey tried to pass the baby off as her own to friends and family before driving to New Hampshire with her then-boyfriend where she was arrested.
DNA evidence showed that the baby girl belonged to Ms. Haynes.
“It’s probably the most horrific case this office has ever seen in terms of facts,” Mr. Early said. “This woman was killed for her baby.”
The child, now 4, lives with her biological father.