Since taking office in 2007, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. has made it a priority to take a fresh look at all the unresolved homicides in the county.
The Unresolved Case Squad within the Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit was created by District Attorney Early so there are dedicated investigators continuing to work to bring these cases to resolution. Each of these cases represents a victim who deserves justice and a family in need of closure.
The term “cold case” is no longer used by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. John Bish, whose 16-year-old daughter was murdered in 2000, talked about how that phrase conjured up an image of dusty files receiving no attention when in fact these cases are being worked on continuously by someone in law enforcement.
John requested that all District Attorney Offices use a more appropriate phrase, and he recommended it be called an “Unresolved Homicide Unit.” The unit was then renamed the “Worcester County District Attorney’s Office Unresolved Homicide Unit.”
It is never too late to pass on information to investigators and we strongly encourage it. We know over time that relationships change, people’s feelings change, and witnesses may be more willing to come forward. Paired with advances in science, our investigators and prosecutors welcome new information as they are driven to solve these cases.
Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our office at 508-453-7589 or WorcesterDAunresolved@mass.gov
This list is routinely reviewed by investigators and updated. Cases for the City of Worcester can be located at: https://www.worcesterma.gov/police/investigations/unresolved-cases
Homicides Currently Under Investigation
John Donaldson – Harvard – 4/6/1979
On April 6, 1979, 20-year-old John Donaldson was murdered in his vehicle outside his residence in Harvard. Similar .22 caliber shell casings found at the scene were found in multiple areas in neighboring Boxborough, Massachusetts. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our office at 508-453-7589 or WorcesterDAunresolved@mass.gov
Read More
Leona Blair – Leominster – 7/17/1979
On July 17, 1979, 38-year-old Leona Blair was found deceased in her vehicle which was parked on West Street in Leominster close to the intersection of Blossom Street. Blair was seen alive at the Singapore Restaurant in Fitchburg several days prior. Blair’s death was ruled a homicide. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts […]
Read MoreWilliam Beaumont – Charlton – 7/28/1980
On July 28, 1980, 53-year-old William Beaumont was found deceased in his residence on Turner Road in Charlton. Beaumont lived alone and was located after a wellbeing check was conducted. Beaumont’s death was ruled a homicide. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our office at 508-453-7589 or WorcesterDAunresolved@mass.gov
Read MoreEva Rosario – Southbridge – 8/28/1980
In August 1980, 61-year-old Eva Rosario, also known as Evaresta Manzano, was found deceased in a wooded area in Southbridge on the Dudley line. Rosario was last seen near the Southbridge Plaza. Rosario’s death was ruled a homicide. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our office at 508-453-7589 […]
Read MoreNancy Williams – Winchendon – 1/30/1981
On January 29, 1981, 19-year-old Nancy Williams was found murdered behind the counter at Cumberland Farms in Winchendon where she was working. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our office at 508-453-7589 or WorcesterDAunresolved@mass.gov
Read MoreVanessa Felder – Shrewsbury – 3/28/1981
The remains of 15-year-old Vanessa Felder were located on the property of Worcester Sand and Gravel in Shrewsbury, MA. Felder, who recently moved to Massachusetts from New York, was found and her death was ruled a homicide. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our office at 508-453-7589 or WorcesterDAunresolved@mass.gov
Read More
Brenda Lacombe – Harvard – 6/4/1982
Brenda Lacombe, was a 19-year-old woman who was reported missing from the city of Lowell in May of 1982. Her remains were in a wooded area in the town of Harvard. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our office at 508-453-7589 or WorcesterDAunresolved@mass.gov
Read MoreKaren Galliher – Southbridge – 6/24/1982
Karen Galliher was reported missing on May 29, 1982. She was found on a dirt road in Southbridge nearly one month later. Her death was ruled a homicide. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our office at 508-453-7589 or WorcesterDAunresolved@mass.gov
Read MorePaul Costanza – Shrewsbury – 8/5/1982
Paul Costanza, 22, was located on the hotel room floor at the Tudor Motor Inn on Route 9 in Shrewsbury on Aug. 5, 1982. A judicial inquest ruled his death a homicide and robbery. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our office at 508-453-7589 or WorcesterDAunresolved@mass.gov
Read MoreHolly Jean Cote – Royalston – 3/4/1984
Holly Jean Cote, 28, was last seen at a bar in Gardner on March 1984. Her remains were located in a body of water in Royalston in June of 1984 by a group of canoeists. Her death was ruled a homicide. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our […]
Read More