Ryan Maltais Unsolved Murder or Accident 2007
On January 12 2007 Ryan's mother, Anna Maltais, contacts Dartmouth Police reporting her son, Ryan Maltais (18) had borrowed her vehicle without her consent. In the early morning hours of January 13 2007 Dartmouth Police located the parked unoccupied vehicle in front of 18 Alden Avenue.
Police searched the area for Ryan, but were unable to locate him. It was thought at the time Ryan had obtained transportation from a unknown friend. A witness explained he saw a teen, later identified as Ryan, running toward Old Westport Road as the police were approaching the parked unattended vehicle.
On January 15 2007 Ryan's father, George Maltais, files a missing persons report with Dartmouth Police after concern Ryan failed to arrive to pick up a paycheck.
On January 17 2007 Dartmouth Police renewed their search after obtaining a personal item belonging to Ryan. A police bloodhound tracked him to Cedar Dell Pond. During the search of Cedar Dell Pond and the shoreline with a bloodhound, police did not notice any grass compressed or vegetation depressed during the search. At 3:55 PM Dartmouth Police notified the District Attorney's office of the discovery of Ryan in two (2) feet of water in Cedar Dell Pond. The District Attorney's office stated publicly no foul play is suspected based on the investigator's observations.
An autopsy was preformed by the Medical Examiner's office, the cause of death was ruled accidental by drowning. The autopsy also revealed cocaine, ethanol intoxication and hypothermia contributed to Ryan's death. The Medical Examiner’s investigation was completed March 12 2007.
Investigation
The investigation determined Ryan was last seen at 18 Alden Avenue on January 13 2007 when he fled on foot to avoid the police.
The resident of 18 Alden Avenue was Phillip "King Phil" Morris (45), a known member of the Latin Kings gang. When Mr. Morris was interviewed regarding Ryan, Dartmouth police were unaware of his Latin Kings ties. Mr. Morris informed investigators Ryan would hang out at the house along with two (2) of other teenage friends. It remains a mystery just how often and specifically the reason Ryan and these friends visited the home.
Mr. Morris at the time was under indictment on drug and firearm charges, after he allegedly sold .32 grams of heroin and a .22-caliber semi-automatic handgun to a police informant in Dartmouth for $215 on May 3, 2006.
In May 2007 Mr. Morris along with thirty-two (32) other Latin King gang members were arrested on federal indictments aimed at dismantling the Latin Kings’ New Bedford chapter.
Conclusion
Dartmouth Police investigators believe Ryan entered the water on his own accord. They admit they received unverified information that Ryan’s body was placed in the water. However, there was no evidence that someone was at Cedar Dell Pond other than the victim.
Anna and George Maltais have said it doesn't make sense to them that Ryan was found in the water because he avoided water. They also pointed out one of the screws fell out of his glasses and were held together with wire. If he ran, a lens would pop out of the frame. When Ryan’s body was discovered, his glasses were intact - both lenses and the wire still in the eyeglass frame.
This raises questions that Ryan may have been placed in the pond, and likely by someone he knew, who also had knowledge of the issue with the eyeglass frame.
The District Attorney's office admitted investigators don't know how the teen got into the water, and in regards to the theory Ryan's body was staged or placed there - "we can't comment on that"
Laid to Rest
Ryan Maltais was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Dartmouth. On January 4 2021 George Maltais (90) passed away.
On January 12 2007 Ryan's mother, Anna Maltais, contacts Dartmouth Police reporting her son, Ryan Maltais (18) had borrowed her vehicle without her consent. In the early morning hours of January 13 2007 Dartmouth Police located the parked unoccupied vehicle in front of 18 Alden Avenue.
Police searched the area for Ryan, but were unable to locate him. It was thought at the time Ryan had obtained transportation from a unknown friend. A witness explained he saw a teen, later identified as Ryan, running toward Old Westport Road as the police were approaching the parked unattended vehicle.
On January 15 2007 Ryan's father, George Maltais, files a missing persons report with Dartmouth Police after concern Ryan failed to arrive to pick up a paycheck.
On January 17 2007 Dartmouth Police renewed their search after obtaining a personal item belonging to Ryan. A police bloodhound tracked him to Cedar Dell Pond. During the search of Cedar Dell Pond and the shoreline with a bloodhound, police did not notice any grass compressed or vegetation depressed during the search. At 3:55 PM Dartmouth Police notified the District Attorney's office of the discovery of Ryan in two (2) feet of water in Cedar Dell Pond. The District Attorney's office stated publicly no foul play is suspected based on the investigator's observations.
An autopsy was preformed by the Medical Examiner's office, the cause of death was ruled accidental by drowning. The autopsy also revealed cocaine, ethanol intoxication and hypothermia contributed to Ryan's death. The Medical Examiner’s investigation was completed March 12 2007.
Investigation
The investigation determined Ryan was last seen at 18 Alden Avenue on January 13 2007 when he fled on foot to avoid the police.
The resident of 18 Alden Avenue was Phillip "King Phil" Morris (45), a known member of the Latin Kings gang. When Mr. Morris was interviewed regarding Ryan, Dartmouth police were unaware of his Latin Kings ties. Mr. Morris informed investigators Ryan would hang out at the house along with two (2) of other teenage friends. It remains a mystery just how often and specifically the reason Ryan and these friends visited the home.
Mr. Morris at the time was under indictment on drug and firearm charges, after he allegedly sold .32 grams of heroin and a .22-caliber semi-automatic handgun to a police informant in Dartmouth for $215 on May 3, 2006.
In May 2007 Mr. Morris along with thirty-two (32) other Latin King gang members were arrested on federal indictments aimed at dismantling the Latin Kings’ New Bedford chapter.
Conclusion
Dartmouth Police investigators believe Ryan entered the water on his own accord. They admit they received unverified information that Ryan’s body was placed in the water. However, there was no evidence that someone was at Cedar Dell Pond other than the victim.
Anna and George Maltais have said it doesn't make sense to them that Ryan was found in the water because he avoided water. They also pointed out one of the screws fell out of his glasses and were held together with wire. If he ran, a lens would pop out of the frame. When Ryan’s body was discovered, his glasses were intact - both lenses and the wire still in the eyeglass frame.
This raises questions that Ryan may have been placed in the pond, and likely by someone he knew, who also had knowledge of the issue with the eyeglass frame.
The District Attorney's office admitted investigators don't know how the teen got into the water, and in regards to the theory Ryan's body was staged or placed there - "we can't comment on that"
Laid to Rest
Ryan Maltais was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Dartmouth. On January 4 2021 George Maltais (90) passed away.
Joseph A. Downing Jr. Unsolved Murder 2003
On May 3 2003 approximately 10:45pm Dartmouth Police received an anonymous call reporting a suspicious van parked in Lot 100 of the Crossroads Drive apartment complex. Police located a Dodge Caravan idling in the parking lot with Joseph Downing (41) slumped over the wheel. Police discovered Downing had been shot twice on the right-hand side of his head and was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Downing, not a resident of the complex, was a married father of two children worked at Glaser Glass New Bedford and was a part-time antiques dealer. An investigation was underway to determine what brought Downing to the complex and why that time of night. Investigators found more than $2,000 in cash and two containers of Oxycontin in Downing’s van.
Police investigators searched the wooded areas around the housing development and questioned residents.
Most residents reported they didn’t hear anything until after local and state police knocked on their doors with flashlights after midnight as part of a canvas of the complex.
Suspect Indicted 2009
In 2009 Derek Hunt (37) was indicted for the 2003 murder of Joseph Downing. Hunt allegedly admitted to various witnesses that he shot and killed Joseph Downing Jr. on May 3, 2003.
According to court records, the shooting occurred during an apparent drug deal turned sour. Downing reportedly sold Oxycontin on the side. A relative of Hunt arranged for Downing and Hunt to meet at the Crossroads complex. Witnesses who said Hunt told them about the killing came forward during the grand jury investigation.
The prosecution alleged that Hunt fled to Virginia after learning about the investigation. The grand jury returned indictments, charging him with murder and carrying a firearm without a license. U.S. Marshalls arrested Hunt in Petersburg, Va., on March 24 2009 on an unrelated outstanding warrant. Hunt was questioned there by Massachusetts State Police investigators assigned to the Bristol County district attorney’s office and then returned to Massachusetts.
Second Suspect Indicted 2009
Deutra Haith-Gamboa (28) was indicted on a charge of accessory to murder. Haith-Gamboa has been incarcerated at the Old Colony Correctional Center in Bridgewater since being convicted in October 2008 of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon stemming from an incident in Wareham. Authorities didn't disclose how Haith-Gamboa was tied to the murder. No records could be found regarding a trial.
Trial 2012 Verdict: Not Guilty
On February 2 2012 Derek Hunt went on trial for the 2003 murder. The case became marked by cross-allegations of misconduct by both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Prosecutors convened a grand jury to investigate allegations that defense attorney Aviva E. Jeruchim tampered with witnesses. Jeruchim, who has not been criminally charged, has denied wrongdoing, and has accused law enforcement of using coercive investigatory tactics with witnesses.
On February 15 2012 Derek Hunt, after the jury deliberated for about 11 hours over three days, returned a not guilty verdict.
On May 3 2003 approximately 10:45pm Dartmouth Police received an anonymous call reporting a suspicious van parked in Lot 100 of the Crossroads Drive apartment complex. Police located a Dodge Caravan idling in the parking lot with Joseph Downing (41) slumped over the wheel. Police discovered Downing had been shot twice on the right-hand side of his head and was transported to St. Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Downing, not a resident of the complex, was a married father of two children worked at Glaser Glass New Bedford and was a part-time antiques dealer. An investigation was underway to determine what brought Downing to the complex and why that time of night. Investigators found more than $2,000 in cash and two containers of Oxycontin in Downing’s van.
Police investigators searched the wooded areas around the housing development and questioned residents.
Most residents reported they didn’t hear anything until after local and state police knocked on their doors with flashlights after midnight as part of a canvas of the complex.
Suspect Indicted 2009
In 2009 Derek Hunt (37) was indicted for the 2003 murder of Joseph Downing. Hunt allegedly admitted to various witnesses that he shot and killed Joseph Downing Jr. on May 3, 2003.
According to court records, the shooting occurred during an apparent drug deal turned sour. Downing reportedly sold Oxycontin on the side. A relative of Hunt arranged for Downing and Hunt to meet at the Crossroads complex. Witnesses who said Hunt told them about the killing came forward during the grand jury investigation.
The prosecution alleged that Hunt fled to Virginia after learning about the investigation. The grand jury returned indictments, charging him with murder and carrying a firearm without a license. U.S. Marshalls arrested Hunt in Petersburg, Va., on March 24 2009 on an unrelated outstanding warrant. Hunt was questioned there by Massachusetts State Police investigators assigned to the Bristol County district attorney’s office and then returned to Massachusetts.
Second Suspect Indicted 2009
Deutra Haith-Gamboa (28) was indicted on a charge of accessory to murder. Haith-Gamboa has been incarcerated at the Old Colony Correctional Center in Bridgewater since being convicted in October 2008 of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon stemming from an incident in Wareham. Authorities didn't disclose how Haith-Gamboa was tied to the murder. No records could be found regarding a trial.
Trial 2012 Verdict: Not Guilty
On February 2 2012 Derek Hunt went on trial for the 2003 murder. The case became marked by cross-allegations of misconduct by both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Prosecutors convened a grand jury to investigate allegations that defense attorney Aviva E. Jeruchim tampered with witnesses. Jeruchim, who has not been criminally charged, has denied wrongdoing, and has accused law enforcement of using coercive investigatory tactics with witnesses.
On February 15 2012 Derek Hunt, after the jury deliberated for about 11 hours over three days, returned a not guilty verdict.
Dawn Copeland Unsolved Murder 1988 On June 21 1988 Dawn (Cook) Copeland, mother of twin boys, had graduated from New Bedford High School GED Program and was to start classes at Bristol Community College in September to become a Certified Nurses Aid (CNA).
In a delayed celebration, Copeland and her friend Michelle Pelletier (1965-2022) went out celebrating on the night of June 25 1988. Michelle claims they went drinking at bars along County Street and then met up with a male who we will call "David". The three of them then went to David's apartment in the north-end of the city and participated in drug activity. At some point they all left David's apartment and went to the Martinque Lounge located on Acushnet Avenue. Investigators interviewed witnesses who confirmed they saw them drinking at the Martinque Lounge.
Witnesses claimed they saw her with three (3) men, one (1) of these men a witness reported seeing her with on a prior occasion. At some point David left the Martinque for the night, leaving Dawn and Michelle there. Dawn then left with an unknown male and went to breakfast at Pals4 restaurant located at Tinkham Street and Acushnet Ave. Dawn's Ford Pinto was left parked near the Martinque Lounge. Michelle left with the bartender.
Dawn Copeland Discovered Dead
On June 26 1988 around 6 a.m. Dawn Copeland's partially clad body was discovered bludgeoned, and face slashed, and shoved under the jetty at the foot off Rogers Street in Dartmouth. No weapons were recovered from the scene. Autopsy results determined her time of death was around 1 a.m. on June 26 1988.
After the discovery of Copeland, according to the Boston Globe article, law enforcement sent out a general broadcast "Police are looking for three (3) men in a late 1960's or 1970's faded blue Chevrolet Impala. The car reportedly was seen driving back and forth shortly near the site where the body was discovered shortly before it was found" No further description was ever given out.
Discrepancies Discovered
Many years later, Michelle explained she learned about Dawns death from David. She said David came to her house the morning Dawns body was discovered and was banging on her door yelling for her to open the door. Once the door was opened David told Michelle that Dawn was dead and that they needed to go to the Dartmouth State Police. She claimed they did go to the barracks and were interviewed. How did David know that Dawn was dead already? Michelle claimed she has no idea how David knew this information
Oddly, a much different version was told by a family member of Dawn regarding that same morning. The family member, who we will call "Susan" claimed that Michelle and David arrived at her house early in the morning and told her that Dawn had been stabbed in an ally, but claimed they had no additional information about what happened. Susan claimed she called the New Bedford Police, who referred her the Dartmouth State Police. At that time Susan and her husband went to the Dartmouth State Police and were interviewed and it was then disclosed that Dawn was dead and discovered on the beach off Rogers Street in Dartmouth.
How would David know about Dawn being stabbed in an ally if he had already left the Martinque Lounge prior to Dawn leaving?
At the time of the death the District Attorney's office publicly stated she was stabbed, and the newspapers reported that information. The truth is the body had no stab wounds, only wounds from being slashed with a knife. The death certificate also makes no reference to being stabbed. Which leads back to David and Michelle's story about Dawn being stabbed in an ally, It appears that didn't happen.
Suspect Ruled Out
Dawn was divorced, her ex-husband was residing in South Carolina for more than a year at the time of death. He was immediately discounted as a suspect.
Pals4 New Bedford
Pals4 was owned by former Freetown Police Chief Wayne Snell. Chief Snell began is very brief career as chief in Freetown in 1972.
Snell who formerly held the rank of Lieutenant with the Somerset Police Department, and had been a Freetown Police Officer in the 1950’s. In 1975, then Police Chief Wayne Snell brought disciplinary action against Sgt. Alves for leaving town while on duty -- even though Chief Snell gave him permission; the chief was later fired over the incident.
In a delayed celebration, Copeland and her friend Michelle Pelletier (1965-2022) went out celebrating on the night of June 25 1988. Michelle claims they went drinking at bars along County Street and then met up with a male who we will call "David". The three of them then went to David's apartment in the north-end of the city and participated in drug activity. At some point they all left David's apartment and went to the Martinque Lounge located on Acushnet Avenue. Investigators interviewed witnesses who confirmed they saw them drinking at the Martinque Lounge.
Witnesses claimed they saw her with three (3) men, one (1) of these men a witness reported seeing her with on a prior occasion. At some point David left the Martinque for the night, leaving Dawn and Michelle there. Dawn then left with an unknown male and went to breakfast at Pals4 restaurant located at Tinkham Street and Acushnet Ave. Dawn's Ford Pinto was left parked near the Martinque Lounge. Michelle left with the bartender.
Dawn Copeland Discovered Dead
On June 26 1988 around 6 a.m. Dawn Copeland's partially clad body was discovered bludgeoned, and face slashed, and shoved under the jetty at the foot off Rogers Street in Dartmouth. No weapons were recovered from the scene. Autopsy results determined her time of death was around 1 a.m. on June 26 1988.
After the discovery of Copeland, according to the Boston Globe article, law enforcement sent out a general broadcast "Police are looking for three (3) men in a late 1960's or 1970's faded blue Chevrolet Impala. The car reportedly was seen driving back and forth shortly near the site where the body was discovered shortly before it was found" No further description was ever given out.
Discrepancies Discovered
Many years later, Michelle explained she learned about Dawns death from David. She said David came to her house the morning Dawns body was discovered and was banging on her door yelling for her to open the door. Once the door was opened David told Michelle that Dawn was dead and that they needed to go to the Dartmouth State Police. She claimed they did go to the barracks and were interviewed. How did David know that Dawn was dead already? Michelle claimed she has no idea how David knew this information
Oddly, a much different version was told by a family member of Dawn regarding that same morning. The family member, who we will call "Susan" claimed that Michelle and David arrived at her house early in the morning and told her that Dawn had been stabbed in an ally, but claimed they had no additional information about what happened. Susan claimed she called the New Bedford Police, who referred her the Dartmouth State Police. At that time Susan and her husband went to the Dartmouth State Police and were interviewed and it was then disclosed that Dawn was dead and discovered on the beach off Rogers Street in Dartmouth.
How would David know about Dawn being stabbed in an ally if he had already left the Martinque Lounge prior to Dawn leaving?
At the time of the death the District Attorney's office publicly stated she was stabbed, and the newspapers reported that information. The truth is the body had no stab wounds, only wounds from being slashed with a knife. The death certificate also makes no reference to being stabbed. Which leads back to David and Michelle's story about Dawn being stabbed in an ally, It appears that didn't happen.
Suspect Ruled Out
Dawn was divorced, her ex-husband was residing in South Carolina for more than a year at the time of death. He was immediately discounted as a suspect.
Pals4 New Bedford
Pals4 was owned by former Freetown Police Chief Wayne Snell. Chief Snell began is very brief career as chief in Freetown in 1972.
Snell who formerly held the rank of Lieutenant with the Somerset Police Department, and had been a Freetown Police Officer in the 1950’s. In 1975, then Police Chief Wayne Snell brought disciplinary action against Sgt. Alves for leaving town while on duty -- even though Chief Snell gave him permission; the chief was later fired over the incident.
John Gomes Unsolved Murder 1985 John Gomes (aka "Tilley King") was a nightclub owner located in Providence, Rhode Island called "Tillie Kings." On November 21 1984 Gomes was reported missing when he failed to arrive to open the club for business. After being reported missing, several witnesses came forward reporting the saw Gomes getting into a vehicle with Massachusetts plates with two (2) armed men. After following up leads, the case went cold.
On April 9 1985, five (5) months after being reported missing his skeletal remains were discovered 85 feet into a wooded area off Route 195 westbound near the Westport / Dartmouth line. An autopsy was preformed, and his identity was confirmed thru dental records. The autopsy determined he was shot in the head, execution-style.
UPDATE: November 2021
Mob enforcer Kevin Hanrahan has been identified as one of the men John Gomes was seen getting into the vehicle with on November 21, 1984. Hanrahan was murdered in Providence in September 1992.
The second suspect, although never publicly identified, is deceased as well.
On April 9 1985, five (5) months after being reported missing his skeletal remains were discovered 85 feet into a wooded area off Route 195 westbound near the Westport / Dartmouth line. An autopsy was preformed, and his identity was confirmed thru dental records. The autopsy determined he was shot in the head, execution-style.
UPDATE: November 2021
Mob enforcer Kevin Hanrahan has been identified as one of the men John Gomes was seen getting into the vehicle with on November 21, 1984. Hanrahan was murdered in Providence in September 1992.
The second suspect, although never publicly identified, is deceased as well.
Debra Ann Coelho Unsolved Murder 1977
On February 5 1977 approximately 2:30PM Debra Ann Coelho (15) waved to her mother and continued on her journey throught the snow along Ashley Boulevard towards Hathaway Bowling (Wonderbowl) about 1.5 miles away. Debra had just recently been accepted as a regular on a bowling team.
About 3:00 PM a witness confirmed a sighting of Debra on Nash Road, and several witnesses confirmed that she did arrive at the bowling alley. When Debra failed to return home by 5:30PM her mother (Marianne) was frantic - she checked with Hathaway Bowling and found her daughter had arrived but hadn't been seen there in a while. Her father, David, arrived at home, the Coelho's went to the New Bedford Police Department to report her missing.
February 5 1977 New Bedford Police Department
At 5:30PM Officer Danny Chieppa files a missing person's report. At the time, according to the Coelho family, a missing person report couldn't be filed for 24-hours, but if they claimed she was a "runaway" then the police would actively look for her. The Coelho's later realized by filing the report as a "runaway" resulted in New Bedford Police never investigating her disappearance or made an effort to locate her. After filing the missing person report with New Bedford Police, her parents called her friends, they drove the streets of the city searching for her never locating her.
Noteworthy, in viewing the actual missing person report (see below) taken by Officer Danny Chieppa, there is no indication she was a runaway. Additionally written in red ink is the date Debra's remains were discovered in Dartmouth. Officer Chieppa joined the New Bedford Police Department in 1974 and retired in 2002 as a Lieutenant. He passed away in 2017.
February 8 1977 Mysterious Phone Calls
Approximately 11 AM the phone at the Coelho house rang, the caller a young male told Mrs. Coelho he knew where Debra was. He provided directions "Go past Lincoln Park. Bear right at the church. Go all the way down to the end of the road, take a right, take next left to go fork in road and stay to the right of the fork ..go about 200-300 yards. You will see a glove in the tree and Debbie is opposite the glove."
Mr. Coehlo followed the directions, which lead to a farm off Albro Avenue. He searched as best he could, and found nothing. The Dartmouth Police Department was notified of this very specific phone call. Patrolmen Manuel Medeiros Jr. and Louis Caton were dispatched to the area. The ground was snow covered, the officers didn't locate Debra or a glove. It was later determined the two officers never entered the woods to search. Dartmouth Police later told the Coleho's the call was a hoax.
Everynight the Coelho's received a phone call, no voice, just silence. The phone calls ended once Debra's remains were found.
October 19 1978 Debra's Remains Discovered.
In a wooded area off Albro Avenue, three children found her skull, an 11-year-old boy who lived nearby ran home to his mother with the skull. Dartmouth Police were called at 5:07pm. Patrolman Walter Medeiros arrived to begin the investigation. He asked the children to show him where they'd found it. He and the boys – aged 11,14, and 16 – systematically searched the area. Four hundred feet away, beneath a pile of leaves and next to a tree, with a white glove stuck on a branch was the rest of Debra Ann Coelho's remains. Her remains were encircled four (4) with a clothesline and tied with unusual knots.
In her left coat pocket were a makeup kit, an eyelash curler, a bottle of mascara and a piece of blue paper. She was wearing the same corduroy pants, two pairs of socks, tan shoes, two sweaters, and off-white ski jacket with a fur trimmed hood she wore when she left home. Her death certificate listed her death was caused by a fractured skull and a fractured lower jaw. Her death was a ruled a homicide.
Debra Ann Coelho became Dartmouth Police case #1947, Massachusetts State Police file #780224. The Coelho Family offered $1000 for any information leading to an arrest and conviction
On February 5 1977 approximately 2:30PM Debra Ann Coelho (15) waved to her mother and continued on her journey throught the snow along Ashley Boulevard towards Hathaway Bowling (Wonderbowl) about 1.5 miles away. Debra had just recently been accepted as a regular on a bowling team.
About 3:00 PM a witness confirmed a sighting of Debra on Nash Road, and several witnesses confirmed that she did arrive at the bowling alley. When Debra failed to return home by 5:30PM her mother (Marianne) was frantic - she checked with Hathaway Bowling and found her daughter had arrived but hadn't been seen there in a while. Her father, David, arrived at home, the Coelho's went to the New Bedford Police Department to report her missing.
February 5 1977 New Bedford Police Department
At 5:30PM Officer Danny Chieppa files a missing person's report. At the time, according to the Coelho family, a missing person report couldn't be filed for 24-hours, but if they claimed she was a "runaway" then the police would actively look for her. The Coelho's later realized by filing the report as a "runaway" resulted in New Bedford Police never investigating her disappearance or made an effort to locate her. After filing the missing person report with New Bedford Police, her parents called her friends, they drove the streets of the city searching for her never locating her.
Noteworthy, in viewing the actual missing person report (see below) taken by Officer Danny Chieppa, there is no indication she was a runaway. Additionally written in red ink is the date Debra's remains were discovered in Dartmouth. Officer Chieppa joined the New Bedford Police Department in 1974 and retired in 2002 as a Lieutenant. He passed away in 2017.
February 8 1977 Mysterious Phone Calls
Approximately 11 AM the phone at the Coelho house rang, the caller a young male told Mrs. Coelho he knew where Debra was. He provided directions "Go past Lincoln Park. Bear right at the church. Go all the way down to the end of the road, take a right, take next left to go fork in road and stay to the right of the fork ..go about 200-300 yards. You will see a glove in the tree and Debbie is opposite the glove."
Mr. Coehlo followed the directions, which lead to a farm off Albro Avenue. He searched as best he could, and found nothing. The Dartmouth Police Department was notified of this very specific phone call. Patrolmen Manuel Medeiros Jr. and Louis Caton were dispatched to the area. The ground was snow covered, the officers didn't locate Debra or a glove. It was later determined the two officers never entered the woods to search. Dartmouth Police later told the Coleho's the call was a hoax.
Everynight the Coelho's received a phone call, no voice, just silence. The phone calls ended once Debra's remains were found.
October 19 1978 Debra's Remains Discovered.
In a wooded area off Albro Avenue, three children found her skull, an 11-year-old boy who lived nearby ran home to his mother with the skull. Dartmouth Police were called at 5:07pm. Patrolman Walter Medeiros arrived to begin the investigation. He asked the children to show him where they'd found it. He and the boys – aged 11,14, and 16 – systematically searched the area. Four hundred feet away, beneath a pile of leaves and next to a tree, with a white glove stuck on a branch was the rest of Debra Ann Coelho's remains. Her remains were encircled four (4) with a clothesline and tied with unusual knots.
In her left coat pocket were a makeup kit, an eyelash curler, a bottle of mascara and a piece of blue paper. She was wearing the same corduroy pants, two pairs of socks, tan shoes, two sweaters, and off-white ski jacket with a fur trimmed hood she wore when she left home. Her death certificate listed her death was caused by a fractured skull and a fractured lower jaw. Her death was a ruled a homicide.
Debra Ann Coelho became Dartmouth Police case #1947, Massachusetts State Police file #780224. The Coelho Family offered $1000 for any information leading to an arrest and conviction
Persons of Interest
There is a very strong belief by investigators the killer, or a witness to her death, was the person who called the family and left the message regarding where her remains could be found. Two persons of interest were investigated, admitting to investigators they were both present at the time and place of Debra's death, but never charged.
Francis M. Souza
At the time of Debra's murder, Mr. Souza was residing in an old trailer in a field off Albro Avenue. This trailer was 100 yards from where Debra's remains were found. During the investigation several of Debra's acquaintances claimed they had attended a party, at the trailer with Souza, after Debra was missing. Several of the individuals later reported there was an odd smell, but they dismissed it as a deceased animal.
Souza was found guilty of rape, kidnapping and assault in battery in an unrelated case on June 29 1977. He was sentenced to serve fifteen (15) to eighteen (18) years in prison. The sentence was later reduced to ten (10) to eighteen (18) years after an appeal. Souza filed an appeal from his convictions, and on October 3, 1980, he filed a motion for a new trial, which motion was denied on December 30, 1980.
Souza's attorney requested leniency and asked the judge to transfer the defendant to Bridgewater State Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. The judge expressed his desire to sentence the defendant immediately. Subsequently, the judge stated that he was considering imposing a life sentence on the defendant unless he was found, after a psychiatric evaluation, to be insane. After taking note of the remainder of the defendant's criminal record, the judge decided to send the defendant to Bridgewater on the rape conviction to determine whether he was sexually dangerous. He deferred sentencing on the other charges.
The evaluation conducted by the Bridgewater State Hospital indicated that he wasn't sexually dangerous. Subsequently, the judge imposed the sentence of fifteen (15) to eighteen (18) years at M.C.I., Walpole, for the rape conviction, and placed the other convictions on file. He is no longer incarcerated and residing in Fairhaven. He is a registered sex offender.
John Costa Jr.
Costa previously lived at 42 Locust Street in New Bedford, but later provided an address of 307 Slades Corner Road in Dartmouth. In October 1975 Costa was acquitted of rape from an incident with a 20-year-old Fall River woman. In July 1976 Costa was arrested in connection to a 13-year-old female who was severely beaten and suffered a broken lower jaw. He was charged with attempted rape, kidnapping, indecent assault & battery on person under 14. Ten (10) months later he was found guilty of the indecent assault & battery charge, the rape charged was reduced to 2nd degree assault. He was sentence to one (1) year in the House of Correction.
On August 13 1979 Mr. Costa (now 23) was sentenced to life in prison in Kansas after being found guilty of attempted kidnapping, attempted rape and 1st degree murder in the death of Marilyn Butcher (18) of Abilene Texas. He was paroled in September 2014 and placed on supervised parole, which ended in August 2021.
Kansas Case Details: On January 6 1979 Costa was the operator a truck that crushed the body of Marilyn Butcher at a rest area on I-70 In Kansas. Butcher was on her way home to Texas after working at Zales Jewelers in the Mid-State Mall in Salina Kansas between 6:30 and 6:45 pm
At 7:00 p.m., William Stoddard, a truck driver entered into the rest area on I-70 near Solomon, Kansas. As Stoddard drove into the area he observed a blue car, similar to a car later identified as Marilyn Butcher's car, parked in the area for automobiles; he observed a truck in the truck lane. Stoddard parked his truck, exited and stretched his legs, and went into the restroom. As Stoddard crossed the median heading back to his truck he saw a man, identified as Costa, walking toward the restroom; they chit-chatted briefly. Stoddard observed no one else in the rest area; he worked on his logbook and left the area about 7:15 p.m.
Around 8:00 p.m., James Joyner, and his co-driver, Bobby Joe Kemp, pulled their tractor-trailer into the Solomon rest area. Joyner observed a tractor-trailer rig parked in the truck lane and a blue car parked near the restroom. Joyner pulled his truck in directly behind the other truck. Joyner testified he saw some movement; something like an arm or a leg, tan in color. It appeared to Joyner that someone was getting in or out of the cab of the truck. The truck started to move just as Joyner stopped his truck. Joyner observed the truck rock back and forth, and from side-to-side. He saw a body on the ground and realized the front tandem wheels of the trailer had just run over a body. Both men saw the back tandem wheels of the trailer pass directly over the body. The two men got a good look at the rear of the trailer pulling out and later gave the Kansas Highway Patrol a description of the trailer.
Joyner ran over to the body, then went back to his truck and used the CB radio to call the departing truck driver. Joyner told the departing truck driver that he had run over the co-driver. An answer came back, "Oh, no, man I couldn't have. He's back here in the sleeper." Joyner responded, saying, "No, he's not. He's back here laying here on the ground." The departing driver then said, "Well, I'll go up to the 76 [truck stop] up here and turn around and come back." The truck and driver never returned.
The Kansas Highway Patrol was called, and Trooper Ricky Lee Affholder soon arrived at the rest area. After obtaining a description of the truck, Trooper Affholder conveyed the description to the Kansas Highway Patrol dispatcher. A message was sent to area troopers to stop the truck. This message was received by Troopers William Kelley, Jerry Downie, and William McShane of the Kansas Highway Patrol, near Junction City, Kansas, at 8:20 p.m.
At 8:36 p.m. Troopers McShane and Kelley stopped a tractor-trailer fitting the description, near Junction City 27 miles from the rest area. Costa was identified as the operator. Costa exited his truck and was asked by the troopers if he had been at the Solomon rest area. Costa acknowledged that he had been at the Solomon rest area about 30 minutes earlier. Trooper Kelley advised the appellant that his truck met the description of the one which was involved in an accident, and that he would have to wait until the troopers received further word on it. A few minutes later the troopers were advised by radio that the death might be a homicide, because the hands of the decedent were apparently tied behind her back. Costa was then placed in custody.
Examination of Marilyn Butcher's body showed that in addition to her hands being tied behind her back, her pants were unzipped, and her shoes and one stocking were gone. Tire marks on her body indicated that dual wheels had passed over her head and down the length of her body. The cause of death was established as being run over by a truck. Her shoes were later found near the exit from the rest area on to the highway. Her purse and one stocking were found in a culvert about five miles east of the rest area; her coat was found almost another mile farther down the road. Laboratory examination disclosed several spots of seminal fluid on the crotch of her slacks, as well as on a sleeping bag found in the sleeper of the Costa's truck. Investigators determined that the tire impressions left in the ice at the rest area, and the tire marks left on Marilyn Butcher's body, were caused by tires which were exactly the same or similar to those found on the Costa's truck. Human blood was located on one of the right rear tires of the truck. The truck was registered to "American Dryer" based in Fall River Massachusetts.
Dartmouth Police Interview in Kansas
Dartmouth Police Lieutenant Herb Tondreau, and not the investigating detective, did go to Kansas to interview Costa regarding the Coelho case. Of particular interest was the knots used to tie Debra Coelho and the knots used to tie Marilyn Butcher. The knot was an unusual knot, was the same on both victims. Costa has denied any involvement in Coelho's murder.
Psychic Dorothy Allison (1924-1999)
Self proclaimed Psychic Detective from New Jersey travelled to Dartmouth and offered her assistance. Allison was widely known for her work on many cases and many TV appearances. Picked up at Logan Airport by Chief Manuel Medeiros, she lead investigators to the scene of the Debra's murder, and then later viewed Debra's clothing. She provided no useful information. However she predicted a police-involved shooting that would occur.
Many considered Allison a fraud, police detectives in Paterson NJ accused her of offering them money to say that she had been helpful in the 1979 search for a missing boy, later found murdered (Allison denied the charge).
There is a very strong belief by investigators the killer, or a witness to her death, was the person who called the family and left the message regarding where her remains could be found. Two persons of interest were investigated, admitting to investigators they were both present at the time and place of Debra's death, but never charged.
Francis M. Souza
At the time of Debra's murder, Mr. Souza was residing in an old trailer in a field off Albro Avenue. This trailer was 100 yards from where Debra's remains were found. During the investigation several of Debra's acquaintances claimed they had attended a party, at the trailer with Souza, after Debra was missing. Several of the individuals later reported there was an odd smell, but they dismissed it as a deceased animal.
Souza was found guilty of rape, kidnapping and assault in battery in an unrelated case on June 29 1977. He was sentenced to serve fifteen (15) to eighteen (18) years in prison. The sentence was later reduced to ten (10) to eighteen (18) years after an appeal. Souza filed an appeal from his convictions, and on October 3, 1980, he filed a motion for a new trial, which motion was denied on December 30, 1980.
Souza's attorney requested leniency and asked the judge to transfer the defendant to Bridgewater State Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. The judge expressed his desire to sentence the defendant immediately. Subsequently, the judge stated that he was considering imposing a life sentence on the defendant unless he was found, after a psychiatric evaluation, to be insane. After taking note of the remainder of the defendant's criminal record, the judge decided to send the defendant to Bridgewater on the rape conviction to determine whether he was sexually dangerous. He deferred sentencing on the other charges.
The evaluation conducted by the Bridgewater State Hospital indicated that he wasn't sexually dangerous. Subsequently, the judge imposed the sentence of fifteen (15) to eighteen (18) years at M.C.I., Walpole, for the rape conviction, and placed the other convictions on file. He is no longer incarcerated and residing in Fairhaven. He is a registered sex offender.
John Costa Jr.
Costa previously lived at 42 Locust Street in New Bedford, but later provided an address of 307 Slades Corner Road in Dartmouth. In October 1975 Costa was acquitted of rape from an incident with a 20-year-old Fall River woman. In July 1976 Costa was arrested in connection to a 13-year-old female who was severely beaten and suffered a broken lower jaw. He was charged with attempted rape, kidnapping, indecent assault & battery on person under 14. Ten (10) months later he was found guilty of the indecent assault & battery charge, the rape charged was reduced to 2nd degree assault. He was sentence to one (1) year in the House of Correction.
On August 13 1979 Mr. Costa (now 23) was sentenced to life in prison in Kansas after being found guilty of attempted kidnapping, attempted rape and 1st degree murder in the death of Marilyn Butcher (18) of Abilene Texas. He was paroled in September 2014 and placed on supervised parole, which ended in August 2021.
Kansas Case Details: On January 6 1979 Costa was the operator a truck that crushed the body of Marilyn Butcher at a rest area on I-70 In Kansas. Butcher was on her way home to Texas after working at Zales Jewelers in the Mid-State Mall in Salina Kansas between 6:30 and 6:45 pm
At 7:00 p.m., William Stoddard, a truck driver entered into the rest area on I-70 near Solomon, Kansas. As Stoddard drove into the area he observed a blue car, similar to a car later identified as Marilyn Butcher's car, parked in the area for automobiles; he observed a truck in the truck lane. Stoddard parked his truck, exited and stretched his legs, and went into the restroom. As Stoddard crossed the median heading back to his truck he saw a man, identified as Costa, walking toward the restroom; they chit-chatted briefly. Stoddard observed no one else in the rest area; he worked on his logbook and left the area about 7:15 p.m.
Around 8:00 p.m., James Joyner, and his co-driver, Bobby Joe Kemp, pulled their tractor-trailer into the Solomon rest area. Joyner observed a tractor-trailer rig parked in the truck lane and a blue car parked near the restroom. Joyner pulled his truck in directly behind the other truck. Joyner testified he saw some movement; something like an arm or a leg, tan in color. It appeared to Joyner that someone was getting in or out of the cab of the truck. The truck started to move just as Joyner stopped his truck. Joyner observed the truck rock back and forth, and from side-to-side. He saw a body on the ground and realized the front tandem wheels of the trailer had just run over a body. Both men saw the back tandem wheels of the trailer pass directly over the body. The two men got a good look at the rear of the trailer pulling out and later gave the Kansas Highway Patrol a description of the trailer.
Joyner ran over to the body, then went back to his truck and used the CB radio to call the departing truck driver. Joyner told the departing truck driver that he had run over the co-driver. An answer came back, "Oh, no, man I couldn't have. He's back here in the sleeper." Joyner responded, saying, "No, he's not. He's back here laying here on the ground." The departing driver then said, "Well, I'll go up to the 76 [truck stop] up here and turn around and come back." The truck and driver never returned.
The Kansas Highway Patrol was called, and Trooper Ricky Lee Affholder soon arrived at the rest area. After obtaining a description of the truck, Trooper Affholder conveyed the description to the Kansas Highway Patrol dispatcher. A message was sent to area troopers to stop the truck. This message was received by Troopers William Kelley, Jerry Downie, and William McShane of the Kansas Highway Patrol, near Junction City, Kansas, at 8:20 p.m.
At 8:36 p.m. Troopers McShane and Kelley stopped a tractor-trailer fitting the description, near Junction City 27 miles from the rest area. Costa was identified as the operator. Costa exited his truck and was asked by the troopers if he had been at the Solomon rest area. Costa acknowledged that he had been at the Solomon rest area about 30 minutes earlier. Trooper Kelley advised the appellant that his truck met the description of the one which was involved in an accident, and that he would have to wait until the troopers received further word on it. A few minutes later the troopers were advised by radio that the death might be a homicide, because the hands of the decedent were apparently tied behind her back. Costa was then placed in custody.
Examination of Marilyn Butcher's body showed that in addition to her hands being tied behind her back, her pants were unzipped, and her shoes and one stocking were gone. Tire marks on her body indicated that dual wheels had passed over her head and down the length of her body. The cause of death was established as being run over by a truck. Her shoes were later found near the exit from the rest area on to the highway. Her purse and one stocking were found in a culvert about five miles east of the rest area; her coat was found almost another mile farther down the road. Laboratory examination disclosed several spots of seminal fluid on the crotch of her slacks, as well as on a sleeping bag found in the sleeper of the Costa's truck. Investigators determined that the tire impressions left in the ice at the rest area, and the tire marks left on Marilyn Butcher's body, were caused by tires which were exactly the same or similar to those found on the Costa's truck. Human blood was located on one of the right rear tires of the truck. The truck was registered to "American Dryer" based in Fall River Massachusetts.
Dartmouth Police Interview in Kansas
Dartmouth Police Lieutenant Herb Tondreau, and not the investigating detective, did go to Kansas to interview Costa regarding the Coelho case. Of particular interest was the knots used to tie Debra Coelho and the knots used to tie Marilyn Butcher. The knot was an unusual knot, was the same on both victims. Costa has denied any involvement in Coelho's murder.
Psychic Dorothy Allison (1924-1999)
Self proclaimed Psychic Detective from New Jersey travelled to Dartmouth and offered her assistance. Allison was widely known for her work on many cases and many TV appearances. Picked up at Logan Airport by Chief Manuel Medeiros, she lead investigators to the scene of the Debra's murder, and then later viewed Debra's clothing. She provided no useful information. However she predicted a police-involved shooting that would occur.
Many considered Allison a fraud, police detectives in Paterson NJ accused her of offering them money to say that she had been helpful in the 1979 search for a missing boy, later found murdered (Allison denied the charge).
Sterling Parkinson Unsolved Murder 1961 Sterling J. Parkinson (1930-1961) was found dead on March 12 1961 after his body was left in a shallow, muddy, gully in a wooded area behind the New Bedford Airport. The Medical Examiner determined he was stabbed thirty-five (35) times and may have been lying there for "as long as a month". It was later determined a total of sixteen (16) days has elapsed between the recovery of the body and the incident at a well-known Dartmouth restaurant - "Chippy's".
There have been four (4) police investigations - three (3) have never been located. On September 13 1971 the Standard-Times began an investigation on the Parkinson case. We will attempt to carefully piece together the case, however we only have the witness's version. Many reports, log entries and evidence went missing. The case remains unsolved.
Witness Statement (Couple from Dartmouth)
About 10:00pm on Feb 24 1961 approximately midnight an unidentified male left "Chippy's" Restaurant, located on St John Street, by the rear door and got into a 1951 dark colored Chevrolet coupe. The man revved the engine as though "about to take off". This male was later identified as a friend of Sterling Parkinson. At one point, Parkinson exited the restaurant and the male in the coupe yelled "come on Panky" as though urging Parkinson to leave.
According to a witness, a scuffle then took place, and she told her husband "My God they're beating up a little kid in the parking lot." Suddenly, Parkinson cried out "You've stabbed me, you've stabbed me", he staggered and fell across the hood of a parked car. Two (2) or three (3) men were standing in the doorway watching the fight and dragged the victim back inside. The victim was wearing an Air Force jacket.
The witness then phoned the Dartmouth Police Department to report what she saw and then rejoined her husband and son at a vantage point overlooking the parking lot of the restaurant. From their position they could see through the rear windows (no curtains) of the downstairs bar. Several persons whom she identified by name to police who were "working him over with towels" in an effort to stop the bleeding from the stab wounds. She saw the victim being dragged into the downstairs walk-in freezer.
She reported that (2) Dartmouth Police officers stepped inside the restaurant and briefly spoke with those present and left without checking the premises. After seeing this, she phoned the Dartmouth Police again, the dispatcher told her that they had responded there, and the situation was over. She then explained that the victim is in the freezer. Two (2) Dartmouth Police officers arrive again, and she saw the victim being dragged back into the freezer before the officers entered the building. Again, the officer spoke with those present without checking the freezer as she had insisted, they do. She identified all four (4) Dartmouth Police officers by name who had responded to the restaurant. She phoned the Dartmouth Police for a third time and that resulted in the same outcome.
The friend of Parkinson remained at the scene for about 20 minutes after the stabbing. However, months later while being interviewed by the Standard-Times she altered that and stated the friend fled within minutes of the stabbing. She identified those involved - and their vehicles to the police including a well-known businessman and an elected town official.
The witness along with her husband and son who returned about 11pm continued to watch the rear of the restaurant. About 1130pm an unidentified male was seen carrying the victim "like a child, arms and legs dangling" and walked to a white car parked in the southwest corner of the lot. Police believe the moving of the victim took place after 1am on a weekend night rather than earlier on a Thursday. Still cradling the victim, the male carrying him slid him into the passenger front seat of the white vehicle. The vehicle then fled (indicating the driver was already in the vehicle waiting) No license plate was seen, and it fled without lights on.
In 1961 Dartmouth Police Chief James Hervey informed the witness, a few days after the body was discovered, that his department was investigating the reported stabbing at "Chippy's". The 1961 report, including witness statements are missing. The stabbing was investigated in 1963 and 1965 (by Officer Carlos Mello). Those two (2) reports are also missing. Years later Officer Mello explained he was contacted by "someone" and was told NOT to discuss the case because a Grand Jury investigation was coming, which never happened.
One officer on duty the night of the stabbing, who the witness identified, stated he never went to the restaurant to investigate a stabbing along with the other patrolmen the witness identified as being there as well.
Dartmouth Police Chief James Hervey Dies
Chief Hervey had been suffering from Cancer at the time of the stabbing at Chippy's. On June 22 1963 he took his own life. Immediately Raymond Snell was appointed Acting Chief and remained in that position until Feb 9 1964. On Feb 10 1964 Sergeant Manuel V Medeiros was appointed chief. Manuel V Medeiros first started with the police department in 1954 as a Reserve Officer, then Regular (Patrolman) in 1955, Sergeant in 1962. Chief Medeiros remained police chief until his retirement in 1983, making him the longest serving chief in the department's history.
Dartmouth Police Report 1970
Officer Gilbert Medeiros reopened the case on his own in 1969 and turned his finding over to Chief Manuel V Medeiros in late 1970.
The resident couple who contends they saw Parkinson being stabbed outside of "Chippy's" sixteen (16) days prior to finding his remains was contacted. In the report, the individuals the witnesses identified were questioned - all but one- denied being ever being at the restaurant or having any knowledge of the stabbing. One of the persons questioned made a statement to police, but later withdrew it after speaking with others who were present at the restaurant at the same time. A second male told investigators he had "heard" about the incident "a week after it happened" but later refused to cooperate with police.
Chief Medeiros didn't deliver the report to the District Attorney until nine (9) months later - 1 hour before the Standard Times was scheduled to interview him about the case. He explained the delay in turning over the report to the District Attorney was at the request of Asst District Attorney, an "old friend". At the time a new District Attorney (Phillip Rollins) had just taken office and according to Chief Medeiros, his staff needed time to "clear up a backlog of cases". Rollins never heard of the case or the Dartmouth angle until July. Rollins never requested a delay to due to a backlog of cases. Chief Medeiros claimed to have no knowledge of Officer Mellos' 1963,1965 investigation and reports and insisted he knew nothing of the Dartmouth angle until the 1970 report.
Dartmouth Police Log Missing and Lost Evidence
Chief Medeiros had no explanation why the log shows no calls to the police department for any response to "Chippy's" at any time in the past six (6) weeks including the night in question. He conceded the log could've been altered and that any number of officers in the last ten (10) years would have access to the logbook. "Sloppy police work", according to Chief Medeiros is the one reason Parkinson's killer has never been found.
Chief Medeiros explained the clothing, which should've been saved until the case was solved, was dirty and bloodstained and "raising a stench" so it was tossed out 7-8 years later. Chief Medeiros tried to persuade the Standard-Times from its investigation of the case indicating it could jeopardize an official investigation. The last time evidence was seen was in 1962 by New Bedford Police, who claimed it was traced to the Massachusetts State Police lab.
When New Bedford Police Chief Joseph A Pelletier was contacted in 1977 by the Standard Times, He admitted he would follow-up with the crime lab. When asked again at a later time, Chief Pelletier refused to answer questions and directed all questions to District Attorney Rollins.
New Bedford Police Report
There is no documentation in the New Bedford Police report to indicate any city detective investigated the Dartmouth connection. In 1970 New Bedford detectives did inform Dartmouth Officer Medeiros that they had interviewed a woman who claimed to have witnessed the stabbing ten years ago. That witness also confirmed she recalled speaking with New Bedford Police detectives after Parkinson's remains were recovered.
There have been four (4) police investigations - three (3) have never been located. On September 13 1971 the Standard-Times began an investigation on the Parkinson case. We will attempt to carefully piece together the case, however we only have the witness's version. Many reports, log entries and evidence went missing. The case remains unsolved.
Witness Statement (Couple from Dartmouth)
About 10:00pm on Feb 24 1961 approximately midnight an unidentified male left "Chippy's" Restaurant, located on St John Street, by the rear door and got into a 1951 dark colored Chevrolet coupe. The man revved the engine as though "about to take off". This male was later identified as a friend of Sterling Parkinson. At one point, Parkinson exited the restaurant and the male in the coupe yelled "come on Panky" as though urging Parkinson to leave.
According to a witness, a scuffle then took place, and she told her husband "My God they're beating up a little kid in the parking lot." Suddenly, Parkinson cried out "You've stabbed me, you've stabbed me", he staggered and fell across the hood of a parked car. Two (2) or three (3) men were standing in the doorway watching the fight and dragged the victim back inside. The victim was wearing an Air Force jacket.
The witness then phoned the Dartmouth Police Department to report what she saw and then rejoined her husband and son at a vantage point overlooking the parking lot of the restaurant. From their position they could see through the rear windows (no curtains) of the downstairs bar. Several persons whom she identified by name to police who were "working him over with towels" in an effort to stop the bleeding from the stab wounds. She saw the victim being dragged into the downstairs walk-in freezer.
She reported that (2) Dartmouth Police officers stepped inside the restaurant and briefly spoke with those present and left without checking the premises. After seeing this, she phoned the Dartmouth Police again, the dispatcher told her that they had responded there, and the situation was over. She then explained that the victim is in the freezer. Two (2) Dartmouth Police officers arrive again, and she saw the victim being dragged back into the freezer before the officers entered the building. Again, the officer spoke with those present without checking the freezer as she had insisted, they do. She identified all four (4) Dartmouth Police officers by name who had responded to the restaurant. She phoned the Dartmouth Police for a third time and that resulted in the same outcome.
The friend of Parkinson remained at the scene for about 20 minutes after the stabbing. However, months later while being interviewed by the Standard-Times she altered that and stated the friend fled within minutes of the stabbing. She identified those involved - and their vehicles to the police including a well-known businessman and an elected town official.
The witness along with her husband and son who returned about 11pm continued to watch the rear of the restaurant. About 1130pm an unidentified male was seen carrying the victim "like a child, arms and legs dangling" and walked to a white car parked in the southwest corner of the lot. Police believe the moving of the victim took place after 1am on a weekend night rather than earlier on a Thursday. Still cradling the victim, the male carrying him slid him into the passenger front seat of the white vehicle. The vehicle then fled (indicating the driver was already in the vehicle waiting) No license plate was seen, and it fled without lights on.
In 1961 Dartmouth Police Chief James Hervey informed the witness, a few days after the body was discovered, that his department was investigating the reported stabbing at "Chippy's". The 1961 report, including witness statements are missing. The stabbing was investigated in 1963 and 1965 (by Officer Carlos Mello). Those two (2) reports are also missing. Years later Officer Mello explained he was contacted by "someone" and was told NOT to discuss the case because a Grand Jury investigation was coming, which never happened.
One officer on duty the night of the stabbing, who the witness identified, stated he never went to the restaurant to investigate a stabbing along with the other patrolmen the witness identified as being there as well.
Dartmouth Police Chief James Hervey Dies
Chief Hervey had been suffering from Cancer at the time of the stabbing at Chippy's. On June 22 1963 he took his own life. Immediately Raymond Snell was appointed Acting Chief and remained in that position until Feb 9 1964. On Feb 10 1964 Sergeant Manuel V Medeiros was appointed chief. Manuel V Medeiros first started with the police department in 1954 as a Reserve Officer, then Regular (Patrolman) in 1955, Sergeant in 1962. Chief Medeiros remained police chief until his retirement in 1983, making him the longest serving chief in the department's history.
Dartmouth Police Report 1970
Officer Gilbert Medeiros reopened the case on his own in 1969 and turned his finding over to Chief Manuel V Medeiros in late 1970.
The resident couple who contends they saw Parkinson being stabbed outside of "Chippy's" sixteen (16) days prior to finding his remains was contacted. In the report, the individuals the witnesses identified were questioned - all but one- denied being ever being at the restaurant or having any knowledge of the stabbing. One of the persons questioned made a statement to police, but later withdrew it after speaking with others who were present at the restaurant at the same time. A second male told investigators he had "heard" about the incident "a week after it happened" but later refused to cooperate with police.
Chief Medeiros didn't deliver the report to the District Attorney until nine (9) months later - 1 hour before the Standard Times was scheduled to interview him about the case. He explained the delay in turning over the report to the District Attorney was at the request of Asst District Attorney, an "old friend". At the time a new District Attorney (Phillip Rollins) had just taken office and according to Chief Medeiros, his staff needed time to "clear up a backlog of cases". Rollins never heard of the case or the Dartmouth angle until July. Rollins never requested a delay to due to a backlog of cases. Chief Medeiros claimed to have no knowledge of Officer Mellos' 1963,1965 investigation and reports and insisted he knew nothing of the Dartmouth angle until the 1970 report.
Dartmouth Police Log Missing and Lost Evidence
Chief Medeiros had no explanation why the log shows no calls to the police department for any response to "Chippy's" at any time in the past six (6) weeks including the night in question. He conceded the log could've been altered and that any number of officers in the last ten (10) years would have access to the logbook. "Sloppy police work", according to Chief Medeiros is the one reason Parkinson's killer has never been found.
Chief Medeiros explained the clothing, which should've been saved until the case was solved, was dirty and bloodstained and "raising a stench" so it was tossed out 7-8 years later. Chief Medeiros tried to persuade the Standard-Times from its investigation of the case indicating it could jeopardize an official investigation. The last time evidence was seen was in 1962 by New Bedford Police, who claimed it was traced to the Massachusetts State Police lab.
When New Bedford Police Chief Joseph A Pelletier was contacted in 1977 by the Standard Times, He admitted he would follow-up with the crime lab. When asked again at a later time, Chief Pelletier refused to answer questions and directed all questions to District Attorney Rollins.
New Bedford Police Report
There is no documentation in the New Bedford Police report to indicate any city detective investigated the Dartmouth connection. In 1970 New Bedford detectives did inform Dartmouth Officer Medeiros that they had interviewed a woman who claimed to have witnessed the stabbing ten years ago. That witness also confirmed she recalled speaking with New Bedford Police detectives after Parkinson's remains were recovered.
Irene Perry Unsolved Murder 1940 On June 29 1940 around 3:30PM Irene Perry (22) disappeared. She was last seen by store clerk Georgianna Velero an employee at a Dartmouth Street store where Ms. Perry went to pay a bill and purchase bread and ice cream. While at the store she also purchased socks and shorts. Ms. Perry was dressed in a house dress and a coat, clearly not dressed an outing of any kind. It's believed she was lured into a vehicle.
On July 31 1940 her skeletal remains were discovered by a group of men who were assigned the task of clearly brush for a sewer project off Woodcock Road approximately 500ft from the New Bedford Gun Range. Her hands and legs were found tied with rope and enforced by a knot from her left stocking. Her arms were tied over her head. An extensive search was conducted for her shoes, which were never located.
At the time of the discovery, her remains were found 25 yards into the woods at the end of a roadway used to haul timber. This roadway was also known as a "lover's lane". It was determined she wasn't killed at that site, but was dumped there. Buttons to her coat were found 70 feet from her remains, and she was found lying on a rubber automobile floor mat.
Also located at the scene was a half-dozen cartridges from a .22 caliber pistol. Her cause of death was ruled "homicide circumstances undetermined". It appeared she was suffocated, and was pregnant at the time of her death. Irene was buried in unmarked grave #976 in St. John Cemetery on Aug 3 1940
Suspects
Dozens of people were investigated including family members. At one point a 31-year-old male was taken into custody, and released without charges. Edward Almeida (27) of Dartmouth came to the attention of investigators, he was charged with "moral law violations" unrelated to this case. He was interviewed and he provided a verifiable alibi and was later dismissed as a suspect. He knew Ms. Perry.
On August 27 1940 The Fitchburg Sentinel reported that Frank Pedro (25) of New Bedford, married with a child, and a former farmhand, had plead not guilty to 1st degree murder in relation to Irene Perry. It was claimed by investigators the rope found at the scene, was the same type of rope used at the farm Pedro worked at in Portsmouth Rhode Island. The same type of rope was allegedly also found in his home. His trial was in May 1941, and a rope expert testified that the rope used on Irene Perry was not the same rope located at the farm or in the Pedro home. Frank Pedro was found not guilty and returned to his New Bedford home with his wife Odelia and son Frank Pedro Jr.
Miss Perry's Son, Donald Perry (1937-2020)
The investigation into her death determined she had given birth to a son 2 years prior to her death. Thru city birth records, Donald Perry was born on Dec 15 1937.
UPDATE: February 20 2020
Donald Perry (82) of Kingston, NY, passed suddenly on February 20, 2020. He was born on December 15, 1937 in New Bedford, and was the son of the late Joseph and Irene Perry. Donald was the husband of the late Elaine Perry, she passed in 2017.
Donald served in the US Army from 1958 to 1961. For many years he owned and operated Donco Sales & Service of Kingston, NY,
He is survived by his children Pollyanna Dagenais, Molly Snyder, Franklin Balcom, Pamela Richardson and her husband Martin, Douglas Balcom, a sister Dottie McCoy many grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren, and a brother David Perry. He was predeceased by a daughter Penny Hardin.
Dartmouth Police Department
The original investigating officers, Ernest Faulkner and Jiel Sylvia are now deceased, and the case file no longer exists in the archives of the Dartmouth Police Department. Knowing this crime took place in 1940 most (if not all) of those directly associated with the case are deceased.
On July 31 1940 her skeletal remains were discovered by a group of men who were assigned the task of clearly brush for a sewer project off Woodcock Road approximately 500ft from the New Bedford Gun Range. Her hands and legs were found tied with rope and enforced by a knot from her left stocking. Her arms were tied over her head. An extensive search was conducted for her shoes, which were never located.
At the time of the discovery, her remains were found 25 yards into the woods at the end of a roadway used to haul timber. This roadway was also known as a "lover's lane". It was determined she wasn't killed at that site, but was dumped there. Buttons to her coat were found 70 feet from her remains, and she was found lying on a rubber automobile floor mat.
Also located at the scene was a half-dozen cartridges from a .22 caliber pistol. Her cause of death was ruled "homicide circumstances undetermined". It appeared she was suffocated, and was pregnant at the time of her death. Irene was buried in unmarked grave #976 in St. John Cemetery on Aug 3 1940
Suspects
Dozens of people were investigated including family members. At one point a 31-year-old male was taken into custody, and released without charges. Edward Almeida (27) of Dartmouth came to the attention of investigators, he was charged with "moral law violations" unrelated to this case. He was interviewed and he provided a verifiable alibi and was later dismissed as a suspect. He knew Ms. Perry.
On August 27 1940 The Fitchburg Sentinel reported that Frank Pedro (25) of New Bedford, married with a child, and a former farmhand, had plead not guilty to 1st degree murder in relation to Irene Perry. It was claimed by investigators the rope found at the scene, was the same type of rope used at the farm Pedro worked at in Portsmouth Rhode Island. The same type of rope was allegedly also found in his home. His trial was in May 1941, and a rope expert testified that the rope used on Irene Perry was not the same rope located at the farm or in the Pedro home. Frank Pedro was found not guilty and returned to his New Bedford home with his wife Odelia and son Frank Pedro Jr.
Miss Perry's Son, Donald Perry (1937-2020)
The investigation into her death determined she had given birth to a son 2 years prior to her death. Thru city birth records, Donald Perry was born on Dec 15 1937.
UPDATE: February 20 2020
Donald Perry (82) of Kingston, NY, passed suddenly on February 20, 2020. He was born on December 15, 1937 in New Bedford, and was the son of the late Joseph and Irene Perry. Donald was the husband of the late Elaine Perry, she passed in 2017.
Donald served in the US Army from 1958 to 1961. For many years he owned and operated Donco Sales & Service of Kingston, NY,
He is survived by his children Pollyanna Dagenais, Molly Snyder, Franklin Balcom, Pamela Richardson and her husband Martin, Douglas Balcom, a sister Dottie McCoy many grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren, and a brother David Perry. He was predeceased by a daughter Penny Hardin.
Dartmouth Police Department
The original investigating officers, Ernest Faulkner and Jiel Sylvia are now deceased, and the case file no longer exists in the archives of the Dartmouth Police Department. Knowing this crime took place in 1940 most (if not all) of those directly associated with the case are deceased.