December 4, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Connolly 508-688-5565 or
508-368-7236
FITCHBURG — The victim of a home invasion was found dead in an apartment on Laurel Street last night where a fire had been set, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
At 10:36 last night, Fitchburg Police and Fire Departments responded to 122 Laurel St., Apt. 3, for a reported fire. Fitchburg Firefighters entered the apartment, extinguished the flames and discovered a badly burned body. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner accepted the case and an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner death. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of family members.
The preliminary investigation suggests that the victim and two other people arrived home sometime after 9:30 last night and were confronted by two masked assailants. The three victims were separated and the suspects concentrated their assault on one victim. Once the fire started the other two victims were able to escape.
Investigators do not believe this was a random act. The victim was targeted by the assailants.
The investigation led to Bridgeport, Conn. where two suspects were arrested without incident. Ramon Millan, 37, and Jose Crespo, 32, both of Bridgeport, are held on fugitive from justice charges in Bridgeport. They will face charges in Massachusetts of assault with a deadly weapon, arson of a building, and armed home invasion.
“We are still early in the investigation and it is possible that the charges will be upgraded,” Mr. Early said.
The State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office are investigating with the assistance of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Fitchburg Police and Fire, and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section.