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
Samuel Nieves – Fitchburg – 4/6/2009
Samuel Nieves, 35, was found murdered inside his Fitchburg apartment at 10 Albee St. Two men dressed in black reportedly entered the apartment and murdered Nieves. His 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
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Jose Mendes – Milford – 7/8/2012
Authorities discovered 45-year-old Jose Mendes deceased inside his 322 Main St. residence in Milford. A person asked police to check on Mendes after showing concern for him. Milford police officers conducting a well-being check discovered Mendes. His death was ruled a homicide. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to […]
Read MoreShaun Hibbard – Fitchburg – 8/3/2013 – UPDATE
Shaun Hibbard, 33, was fatally murdered during a confrontation near his vehicle that was parked at Forest and Charles streets in Fitchburg. Hibbard ran up Forest Street knocking on doors looking for help. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital around 4 a.m. on Aug. 3, 2013. UPDATE: An arrest was made in this […]
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Lisa Germain – East Brookfield – 10/29/2017
Lisa Germain, 54, was found deceased in the roadway of Route 9 near Lake Lashaway in East Brookfield on Oct. 29, 2017. She was struck by a vehicle and the driver of the vehicle fled the scene of the fatal crash. Anyone with information can reach out to Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to our […]
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Lennyn Valerio – Holden – 6/2/2018
On June 2, 2018, Lennyn Valerio was found lying in the roadway on Reservoir Street in Holden. He was discovered around 1:15 a.m. on June 2, 2018. His 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
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