Third Suspect Charged in 1994 Murder

March 21, 2012
WORCESTER — Convicted drug dealer Matteo Trotto was arraigned this afternoon in Worcester Superior Court for the 1994 murder of Kevin Harkins, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Mr. Trotto, 46, who is serving a sentence in Norfolk State Prison, is the third suspect charged with the murder of Mr. Harkins. Mr. Trotto called Mr. Harkins out from Suney’s Pub on Chandler Street on Feb. 15, 1994 and Mr, Harkins never seen again. Elias Samia, 45, of 78 Arlington St., Worcester, and John R. Fredette, 49, of Woodcock Avenue, Saco, Maine, are both being held without bail after being charged with murder last month.

Mr. Trotto was secretly indicted Tuesday by a Worcester County Grand Jury and was arraigned today in before Judge Janet Kenton-Walker in Worcester Superior Court. Because Mr. Trotto is serving 23-26 years in state prison, no bail was set on the murder charge. The case was continued to April 6.

Mr. Early praised Worcester Police Detectives and State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office for the relentless investigation that led to the indictments of the three men.

The Worcester Family and Probate Court declared him dead in 2008.

Mr. Trotto was convicted in 1999 on 11 drug and weapons charges, including trafficking in cocaine.

Senior First Assistant District Attorney Daniel Bennett outlined the case against Mr. Trotto at today’s arraignment.

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