WORCESTER — Two men are in custody in the murder of Kevin Harkins who was last seen on Feb. 15, 1994 when he was called away from a Chandler Street bar, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Elias Samia, 45, of 78 Arlington St., is being held without bail after being arraigned on a murder charge today before Superior Court Judge Janet Kenton-Walker. He pleaded not guilty and his case was continued to March 14..
Mr. Samia was arrested at his home Wednesday afternoon by Worcester Police and State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office.
Worcester Police, State Police Detectives and members of the U.S. Marshall’s Task Force in Portland, Maine, arrested John R. Fredette, 49, of Woodcock Avenue, Sacco, Maine, Wednesday on a fugitive from justice (murder) warrant. He will be arraigned on that charge tomorrow in the Cumberland County Courthouse and will be returned to Massachusetts for
arraignment at a later date.
Both defendants were secretly indicted this week by a grand jury.
“These indictments are a testament to years of relentless investigation by Worcester Police and the State Police Detectives assigned to my office,” Mr. Early said. “They refused to give up on this case.”
Senior First Assistant District Attorney Daniel Bennett outlined the case at today’s arraignment of Mr. Samia.
Mr. Harkins left personal items on the bar at Suney’s Pub as he was called outside by an acquaintance. He never returned and his body was never found.
The Worcester Family and Probate Court declared him dead in 2008.