Joseph Tavares 2018 Solved
On December 22, 2018, about 10:25 P.M. Joseph Tavares (37) was shot multiple times in the rear parking lot of the Regency Hotel (now Baymont by Wyndam) located on Faunce Corner Road. When police arrived minutes later, they found Tavares sitting unresponsive in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Tavares was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where he was pronounced dead at 11:07 p.m.
Autopsy report stated Tavares was shot twice in the head and once in the neck. Investigators determined three (3) shots were fired at close range from the passenger seat of the vehicle.
Tavares, at the time of the incident, was in possession of baggies of cocaine for street sale, over $1000 in cash and 17 ounces of marijuana in a backpack in the back seat. Investigators determined this was a drug-related killing. The entire event was captured on video surveillance.
Investigation Summary
Investigators determined Robert A. Rose Jr. (48) and Tavares had a business relationship that revolved around the selling and distribution of drugs. Tavares was known for selling marijuana and cocaine, and the men had met at the Regency Hotel parking lot previously on several occasions to conduct business.
One the night of the murder, Tavares and Rose had exchanged nineteen (19) text messages setting a time and place to conduct business. Rose left his girlfriend's home and drove to Dartmouth to meet Tavares.
Video surveillance from the Regency (10:24 p.m.) shows Rose approach Tavares's vehicle and enter on the passenger side, where he remained for less than one (1) minute, during this same time period several hotel guests reported hearing an argument and then the sound of glass breaking. Rose shot Tavares twice in the head and once in the neck. Rose then exited the vehicle, walks to the driver's side door and fires one more shot.
Rose is seen on video fleeing the scene on foot, within three (3) minutes of the shooting, Rose's vehicle is observed pulling onto Faunce Corner Road, and taking Route 195 East towards Wareham.
Suspect Arrested & Conviction
Robert A. Rose Jr. was arrested after a follow-up interview with investigators. During the interview Rose was presented with a video timeline collected as evidence showing his BMW and his travels. Rose denied killing Tavares, declined an offer for a polygraph test and then was arrested. He was charged with first degree murder and misleading police; he was held without bail. Rose’s 11-page criminal record dates back to 1989 and includes an incarceration, charges for drugs and assaults, probation violations and defaults.
On December 15, 2022 Robert Rose Jr. was found guilty of 1st degree murder of Joseph Tavares and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The motive for the killing was robbery.
On December 22, 2018, about 10:25 P.M. Joseph Tavares (37) was shot multiple times in the rear parking lot of the Regency Hotel (now Baymont by Wyndam) located on Faunce Corner Road. When police arrived minutes later, they found Tavares sitting unresponsive in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Tavares was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where he was pronounced dead at 11:07 p.m.
Autopsy report stated Tavares was shot twice in the head and once in the neck. Investigators determined three (3) shots were fired at close range from the passenger seat of the vehicle.
Tavares, at the time of the incident, was in possession of baggies of cocaine for street sale, over $1000 in cash and 17 ounces of marijuana in a backpack in the back seat. Investigators determined this was a drug-related killing. The entire event was captured on video surveillance.
Investigation Summary
Investigators determined Robert A. Rose Jr. (48) and Tavares had a business relationship that revolved around the selling and distribution of drugs. Tavares was known for selling marijuana and cocaine, and the men had met at the Regency Hotel parking lot previously on several occasions to conduct business.
One the night of the murder, Tavares and Rose had exchanged nineteen (19) text messages setting a time and place to conduct business. Rose left his girlfriend's home and drove to Dartmouth to meet Tavares.
Video surveillance from the Regency (10:24 p.m.) shows Rose approach Tavares's vehicle and enter on the passenger side, where he remained for less than one (1) minute, during this same time period several hotel guests reported hearing an argument and then the sound of glass breaking. Rose shot Tavares twice in the head and once in the neck. Rose then exited the vehicle, walks to the driver's side door and fires one more shot.
Rose is seen on video fleeing the scene on foot, within three (3) minutes of the shooting, Rose's vehicle is observed pulling onto Faunce Corner Road, and taking Route 195 East towards Wareham.
Suspect Arrested & Conviction
Robert A. Rose Jr. was arrested after a follow-up interview with investigators. During the interview Rose was presented with a video timeline collected as evidence showing his BMW and his travels. Rose denied killing Tavares, declined an offer for a polygraph test and then was arrested. He was charged with first degree murder and misleading police; he was held without bail. Rose’s 11-page criminal record dates back to 1989 and includes an incarceration, charges for drugs and assaults, probation violations and defaults.
On December 15, 2022 Robert Rose Jr. was found guilty of 1st degree murder of Joseph Tavares and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The motive for the killing was robbery.
Donald Eugene Webb 1980 Solved 2017
Donald Eugene Webb (Jul 14 1931-Dec 30 1999) (68), who's birth name is Donald Eugene Perkins, was born in Oklahoma in 1931 and was raised by his paternal grandfather. He enlisted in the US Navy and received a dishonorable discharge. In 1956, while in Massachusetts, he legally changed his last name to Webb. Webb worked as a butcher, salesman, restaurant manager, and vending machine repairman. In 1961 Webb married Lillian Portas, widow of Stanley John Portas who died in 1948 from natural causes and interred in St. John Cemetery in New Bedford.
Donald was a convicted career criminal with convictions for burglary, possession of counterfeit money, possession of a weapons, armed bank robbery, grand larceny, and auto theft. In the early 1970's Webb served a two-year prison term in New York state prison system.
Donald was identified by the FBI as an associate of the Patriarca Crime Family, who made a living robbing banks, jewelry stores, and high-end hotels up and down the East Coast. They fenced the goods through "the mob" in Providence R.I.
1979 Colonie NY Burglary
In 1979, Donald and two accomplices allegedly burglarized residences in the Albany NY area while posing as sewer and water inspectors. Donald and two accomplices were arrested in Colonie NY on charges of attempted burglary. Donald posted a $35,000 bail and failed to appear at a December 1979 court date.
A New York State Magistrate issued an arrest warrant for Donald E. Webb on Jan 5, 1979, for burglary and criminal impersonation relating to a burglary in Colonie NY. A significant amount of silver coins were stolen during this robbery. A federal warrant was issued on Dec 14, 1979, charging Donald with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for the burglary. Several of his criminal associates were captured and informed the FBI that Donald made it clear he would never go back to prison.
The FBI has considered Donald Webb a master of assumed identities and burglar well versed in the art of criminal impersonation.
1980 Webb returns to Massachusetts,
The now wanted federal fugitive returned to Massachusetts. Using the alias "Stanley Portas" he stayed at the Holiday Inn in Brockton MA from Jul 1 to Jul 8, 1980, then again from Jul 14 to Aug 15, 1980. On Jul 24, 1980, he rented a white Mercury Cougar from a Taunton MA Lincoln Mercury dealership and was to return it on Dec. 24 1980. He was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Holbrook MA on Sept 19, 1980. He was treated at Morton Hospital for a laceration that required three (3) stitches on Nov 14, 1980.
July 1980 FBI Surveillance of Lillian Webb
On July 29, 1980, Lillian Webb, while being investigated by the FBI, cashed a refund check in New Bedford from Budget rental car company. The refund pertained to a vehicle rented from Budget in Pennsylvania using the name "Stanley Portas".
Once the Pennsylvania State Police and FBI identified Webb as the murderer, they contacted Lt. Gordon Clarkson commanding officer of the Dartmouth Barracks of the Massachusetts State Police. Lt. Clarkson was informed that Webb was a suspect in the murder and he was actively being searched for. For unknown reasons, and against the wishes of the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police, Lt. Clarkson made contact with Lillian since he was previously acquainted with her. Lt. Clarkson was a former New Bedford Police officer before joining the Massachusetts State Police. At this point it was likely Donald was tipped off by Lillian that he was identified and was now wanted.
December 4 1980 Saxonburg Pennsylvania - Murder of Police Chief Gregory B. Adams
Donald Webb (using the name Stanley Portas) was staying at a motel in Greensburg PA since Nov 17, 1980. He was scouting out Sarver's Jewelry store in Saxonburg PA. In the Agway parking lot on Butler St, Chief Adams conducted a motor vehicle stop with a white Mercury Cougar with Massachusetts plates. Adams positioned his cruiser in a manner that would block the exit to the parking lot. Chief Adams approached the operator, Donald, and while producing a fake NJ license with the name Stanley John Portas, Donald shot Chief Adams, Donald then exited the vehicle and a struggle ensued; subsequently fatally pistol-whipping Chief Adams with his own service weapon (.38 revolver). During the struggle Chief Adams fought for his life and bit off a portion of Donald's lip and also kicked Donald in the left leg causing a compound fracture. After killing Chief Adams, took the service weapon, ripped out the radio microphone and took the cruiser keys, then fled. The fake New Jersey driver's license, .25 revolver, and O-type blood was collected from the scene. Approximately seven (7) miles from the murder scene, the service weapon belonging to Chief Adams was recovered.
December 17-31 1980 Lillian Webb not cooperating, Mercury Cougar recovered, warrants issued
On Dec. 17, 1980 the Massachusetts State Police, Pennsylvania State Police attempted to interview Lillian regarding the refund check from Budget. She refused to answer any questions and referred them to her attorney. .
On Dec. 21, 1980 the white Mercury Cougar that was rented by Donald, and was due to be returned on Dec. 24 1980 in Taunton, was recovered by the Warwick R.I. Police at a Howard Johnson's motel. The vehicle had significant blood stains, which later tested positive as type-O. the FBI now concluded that Donald was in the Rhode Island area. On Dec. 24, 1980 an arrest warrant was issued for Donald Webb in Pennsylvania for criminal homicide in connection to the death of Chief Adams. On Dec. 31,1980 a federal warrant was issued charging Donald Webb with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for the murder of Chief Adams.
1981 FBI investigation continues, Webb added to FBI "Ten Most Wanted List"
On Feb. 21, 1981 the FBI interviewed David Hutchins, who was incarcerated in Pennsylvania for an Oct. 30, 1980 burglary of a jewelry store, claimed that Lillian and her brother knew where Donald was hiding. He believed Donald was in the New Bedford area. Hutchins died in 1999.
On May 4, 1981 Donald E. Webb was placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted List". He remained on the list until Mar. 31 2007. Since Donald's disappearance his relatives and criminal associates have consistently refused to cooperate with law enforcement. Webb has strong ties to Fall River and New Bedford where the last confirmed sighting of him was July 1981 was made by an anonymous tipster. It was reported to the Boston FBI office, but Donald had fled by the time investigators arrived.
In 1982 Pennsylvania State Police and FBI attempted to question Lillian again. She had retained famed criminal defense Attorney John F. Cicilline, whose client list included mob boss Raymond Patriarca. Investigators flew to Providence R.I. after being told Lillian is willing to speak with them. As the meeting began Lillian informed investigators that her attorney instructed her not to answer their questions.
1990-1999 "America's Most Wanted" and "Unsolved Mysteries"
In January 1990, the FBI received a letter postmarked January 23, 1981 and written by someone claiming to be Donald Webb, asking for forgiveness from Adams' family. The letter suggested he might surrender to authorities, but only if he could talk directly to John Walsh (America's Most Wanted). the FBI conducted handwriting tests on the letter and they were inconclusive
On April 1, 1990, a man claiming to be Donald Webb called John Walsh but when asked questions to confirm his identity, was unable to name two of Donald's closest relatives. The call was dismissed as a hoax. The murder case was featured in an episode of Unsolved Mysteries. On September 14, 1999, Donald E. Webb was noted as the fugitive with the longest tenure on the FBI Ten Most Wanted list.
In 2005 Lillian was granted a divorce from Donald based on "Desertion".
April 2015 FBI New Special Agent
In April 2015 a new FBI agent was assigned to the Donald Webb case and new information was revealed about Lillian and her role in the case. In interviewing many personal associates of Lillian and Donald it was determined they had a strong and loving marriage. Lillian on many occasions visited Donald out of state while he was incarcerated. Her son (Stanley) was an infant when she married Donald, and her son then took the Webb last name.
While under FBI surveillance during the early years of the Webb investigation, Lillian would routinely use evasive driving techniques, wear wigs, and changed her hair color in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. The FBI had installed a hidden camera across the street from her home, later review of footage showed Lillian would pull into the garage in a suspicious manner. She wouldn't exit her vehicle until the garage door was fully closed.
The FBI interviewed Lillian in April 2015 and Lillian again denied ever seeing or speaking to Donald since the murder of Chief Adams. Lillian also denied having any photographs of Donald in her residence. Lillian was asked about her cellphone, which she denied having one, but Massachusetts State Police confirmed she has a cellphone kept in her vehicle.
December 2015 FBI Increasing Reward to $100,000
Although Donald Webb was still a fugitive wanted by the FBI, the significant lack of leads made some investigators believe he had died. On December 4, 2015, the FBI increased their reward to $100,000 for information leading to his arrest, or to the location of his remains. The FBI special agent assigned to the case believed he was still alive.
November 2016 FBI Searches 28 Maplecrest Drive, Dartmouth
In November 2016, the FBI executed a search of 28 Maplecrest Dr. Dartmouth and discovered a hidden room found adjacent to a clothes closet in the lower basement level of the home. The hidden room is about the size of a large shower stall. There was a hook lock on the inside of the door, which was on the top of the door. Lillian would've been prevented from reaching the locking mechanism due to her height. Lillian admitted she had the room constructed in 1997 as a safe room if her home was ever burglarized. Located inside the secret room was a black walking cane, and three (3) boxes of silver-colored coins. Lillian claimed she didn't have any knowledge about the ownership of the cane or the coins. Also recovered from the residence was forty-two (42) photographs of Donald and Lillian, which the FBI later released to the public. A public records search located a landline phone registered to Donald Webb at 28 Maplecrest Dr. Dartmouth. It's important to note, at the time of the murder (1980) Lillian lived at 29C Carriage Drive in New Bedford, the Dartmouth residence was purchased in 1997.
Family of Chief Adams Files Civil Suit 2017
On April 10, 2017 the FBI notified the family of Chief Adams the results of the November 2016 search of Lillian's Dartmouth home. The FBI is operating under the belief that Donald is alive. "There's no evidence that Mr. Webb is deceased."
As a result of the new information provided by the FBI, On June 1 2017 the family of Chief Adams filed a civil lawsuit in excess of a $1 million against against Lillian, her son Stanley and also Donald (unknown if alive). The civil action is intended to get answers from Lillian and Stanley, who appear to know what happened to Donald. It's hoped by filing the civil suit it will bring forth new information on whereabouts of Donald. Count I: wrongful death — murder ; Count II: civil conspiracy — accessory after the fact ; Count III: civil conspiracy — hindering apprehension of a murderer.
June 2017 FBI Searches 28 Maplecrest Drive, Dartmouth
On June 28 2017 the FBI returned to the Dartmouth property with a new search warrant. The warrant was to seize items that could contain Donald's DNA, including the hidden room door, the door frame and the cane. Investigators observed an oval shaped area in the backyard that appeared to have been disturbed and not fitting the same appearance as the rest of the well-maintained yard.
July 2017 Lillian Webb Meets with Law Enforcement
On July 12 2017 Attorney Jack Cicilline who represents Lillian conducted a conference call and informed investigators that Lillian would like to meet to discuss her knowledge of Donald Webb. The purpose of this conference call was to inquire as to the exact details of Lillian's knowledge of Donald's current location dead or alive.
Lillian informed investigators that Donald returned to Massachusetts after the murder suffering from a broken left leg. Donald followed Lillian to Tobey Hospital in the white Mercury Cougar. Once at the hospital, leaving Donald behind, she took the Mercury Cougar and drove it to the motel in Warwick R.I. in an attempt to have law enforcement think Donald was in Rhode Island and not Massachusetts.
Donald was hospitalized under the alias of "John" (last name unknown) at Tobey Hospital for four (4) weeks. After being discharged Donald resided in a rented room for about a year. He maintained communications with Lillian by calling her at work. Lillian stated that Donald became suicidal and the decision was made to move into the house located at 275 Hawthorn St. New Bedford, where he spent his days hiding in the garage or sneaking into the basement at night. In 1997 they moved to Maplecrest Dr. Dartmouth where he remained in hiding until his death.
Lillian offered more specific details on Donald's death. In late 1999 Donald suffered a stroke and was paralyzed all over. She claimed Donald told her that he was dying and she needed to start digging a grave for him in the backyard. She said she started working on it in the nights, a little at a time. It was winter and she said it was hard to dig through the frozen soil, but it was a shallow grave, about three feet deep. On December 30, 1999, Donald died, Lillian told investigators. She put his body into a plastic tub, pushed it down three steps, dragged it into the backyard and dumped his body into the hole.
Lillian, after explaining details of his death, offered to lead investigators to the site where Donald's remains were buried - in exchange for immunity. The Butler County District Attorney's office granted Lillian immunity from criminal and civil prosecution in exchange for information. She also received a similar immunity deal in Massachusetts. The immunity deal doesn't extend to any federal charges that may be filed. Lillian then led investigators to the exact spot where the remains of Donald along with a .22 revolver were buried, behind the shed in her backyard.
July 2017 Webb's Remains Unearthed. "He lived, hid, died and was ultimately buried at home"
On July 13 2017 the remains of Donald Webb were exhumed and positively identified by the Medical Examiner via dental records. Saxonburg Mayor Bill Gillespie and Police Chief Joe Beachem traveled to Massachusetts to watch investigators unearth the remains. The cause of death could not be determined. Examination of his remains showed a broken leg (2 places) which didn't heal properly, causing his immobility. Coincidentally July 14 2017 is Donald's 86th birthday.
On September 13 2017 the remains of Donald E. Webb were laid to rest in West Lawn Cemetery in Lowell MA.
The $100,000 reward posted by the FBI will not be paid out since the discovery was made through investigative efforts.
Opinion
Other than the early attempts to gain Lillian’s cooperation—which failed—the FBI never tried to obtain a search warrant for Webb. The first time the FBI executed a search warrant at Webb’s home was in 2016, thirty-six (36) years after the murder. They used much of the same information available to them decades earlier to justify the search. The search yielded a hidden room possibly used by Webb.
In 2017, investigators from the Massachusetts and Pennsylvania State Police, relying partly on information in the FBI search affidavit about the secret room and the Bureau’s contact with Lillian in 2016, executed another search warrant. During this search, the location of Donald Eugene Webb's remains were located.
It took the FBI thirty-six (36) years to get a search warrant to search a location intimately connected to Webb. It took thirty-seven (37) and the assistance of two State Police agencies to do what they should have done all those years ago. The FBI explained to Chief Adams’s family they were doing everything in their power to catch his killer. It would seem they put his name on the most wanted list and forgot about it.
For almost nineteen (19) years after the murder, Donald Eugene Webb was alive and living in Dartmouth. Yet the FBI never looked for him in the most likely place. They were grossly inept in ignoring the evidence, or they intentionally left a murderer remain free.
In 2017, Chief Adams’s widow, files a lawsuit against Lillian Webb and her son, Stanley, for wrongful death. This raises questions about why it took the FBI all those years to find Donald Webb. Despite the evidence of Webb’s injuries, which common sense dictates would spark an inquiry at hospitals in New England—Webb’s home turf—investigators never found him. Or they never looked.
Despite many reports of Webb being seen several times in New Bedford, it took almost thirty-seven (37) years for them to focus on Webb’s wife and step-son.
Donald Eugene Webb (Jul 14 1931-Dec 30 1999) (68), who's birth name is Donald Eugene Perkins, was born in Oklahoma in 1931 and was raised by his paternal grandfather. He enlisted in the US Navy and received a dishonorable discharge. In 1956, while in Massachusetts, he legally changed his last name to Webb. Webb worked as a butcher, salesman, restaurant manager, and vending machine repairman. In 1961 Webb married Lillian Portas, widow of Stanley John Portas who died in 1948 from natural causes and interred in St. John Cemetery in New Bedford.
Donald was a convicted career criminal with convictions for burglary, possession of counterfeit money, possession of a weapons, armed bank robbery, grand larceny, and auto theft. In the early 1970's Webb served a two-year prison term in New York state prison system.
Donald was identified by the FBI as an associate of the Patriarca Crime Family, who made a living robbing banks, jewelry stores, and high-end hotels up and down the East Coast. They fenced the goods through "the mob" in Providence R.I.
1979 Colonie NY Burglary
In 1979, Donald and two accomplices allegedly burglarized residences in the Albany NY area while posing as sewer and water inspectors. Donald and two accomplices were arrested in Colonie NY on charges of attempted burglary. Donald posted a $35,000 bail and failed to appear at a December 1979 court date.
A New York State Magistrate issued an arrest warrant for Donald E. Webb on Jan 5, 1979, for burglary and criminal impersonation relating to a burglary in Colonie NY. A significant amount of silver coins were stolen during this robbery. A federal warrant was issued on Dec 14, 1979, charging Donald with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for the burglary. Several of his criminal associates were captured and informed the FBI that Donald made it clear he would never go back to prison.
The FBI has considered Donald Webb a master of assumed identities and burglar well versed in the art of criminal impersonation.
1980 Webb returns to Massachusetts,
The now wanted federal fugitive returned to Massachusetts. Using the alias "Stanley Portas" he stayed at the Holiday Inn in Brockton MA from Jul 1 to Jul 8, 1980, then again from Jul 14 to Aug 15, 1980. On Jul 24, 1980, he rented a white Mercury Cougar from a Taunton MA Lincoln Mercury dealership and was to return it on Dec. 24 1980. He was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Holbrook MA on Sept 19, 1980. He was treated at Morton Hospital for a laceration that required three (3) stitches on Nov 14, 1980.
July 1980 FBI Surveillance of Lillian Webb
On July 29, 1980, Lillian Webb, while being investigated by the FBI, cashed a refund check in New Bedford from Budget rental car company. The refund pertained to a vehicle rented from Budget in Pennsylvania using the name "Stanley Portas".
Once the Pennsylvania State Police and FBI identified Webb as the murderer, they contacted Lt. Gordon Clarkson commanding officer of the Dartmouth Barracks of the Massachusetts State Police. Lt. Clarkson was informed that Webb was a suspect in the murder and he was actively being searched for. For unknown reasons, and against the wishes of the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police, Lt. Clarkson made contact with Lillian since he was previously acquainted with her. Lt. Clarkson was a former New Bedford Police officer before joining the Massachusetts State Police. At this point it was likely Donald was tipped off by Lillian that he was identified and was now wanted.
December 4 1980 Saxonburg Pennsylvania - Murder of Police Chief Gregory B. Adams
Donald Webb (using the name Stanley Portas) was staying at a motel in Greensburg PA since Nov 17, 1980. He was scouting out Sarver's Jewelry store in Saxonburg PA. In the Agway parking lot on Butler St, Chief Adams conducted a motor vehicle stop with a white Mercury Cougar with Massachusetts plates. Adams positioned his cruiser in a manner that would block the exit to the parking lot. Chief Adams approached the operator, Donald, and while producing a fake NJ license with the name Stanley John Portas, Donald shot Chief Adams, Donald then exited the vehicle and a struggle ensued; subsequently fatally pistol-whipping Chief Adams with his own service weapon (.38 revolver). During the struggle Chief Adams fought for his life and bit off a portion of Donald's lip and also kicked Donald in the left leg causing a compound fracture. After killing Chief Adams, took the service weapon, ripped out the radio microphone and took the cruiser keys, then fled. The fake New Jersey driver's license, .25 revolver, and O-type blood was collected from the scene. Approximately seven (7) miles from the murder scene, the service weapon belonging to Chief Adams was recovered.
December 17-31 1980 Lillian Webb not cooperating, Mercury Cougar recovered, warrants issued
On Dec. 17, 1980 the Massachusetts State Police, Pennsylvania State Police attempted to interview Lillian regarding the refund check from Budget. She refused to answer any questions and referred them to her attorney. .
On Dec. 21, 1980 the white Mercury Cougar that was rented by Donald, and was due to be returned on Dec. 24 1980 in Taunton, was recovered by the Warwick R.I. Police at a Howard Johnson's motel. The vehicle had significant blood stains, which later tested positive as type-O. the FBI now concluded that Donald was in the Rhode Island area. On Dec. 24, 1980 an arrest warrant was issued for Donald Webb in Pennsylvania for criminal homicide in connection to the death of Chief Adams. On Dec. 31,1980 a federal warrant was issued charging Donald Webb with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for the murder of Chief Adams.
1981 FBI investigation continues, Webb added to FBI "Ten Most Wanted List"
On Feb. 21, 1981 the FBI interviewed David Hutchins, who was incarcerated in Pennsylvania for an Oct. 30, 1980 burglary of a jewelry store, claimed that Lillian and her brother knew where Donald was hiding. He believed Donald was in the New Bedford area. Hutchins died in 1999.
On May 4, 1981 Donald E. Webb was placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted List". He remained on the list until Mar. 31 2007. Since Donald's disappearance his relatives and criminal associates have consistently refused to cooperate with law enforcement. Webb has strong ties to Fall River and New Bedford where the last confirmed sighting of him was July 1981 was made by an anonymous tipster. It was reported to the Boston FBI office, but Donald had fled by the time investigators arrived.
In 1982 Pennsylvania State Police and FBI attempted to question Lillian again. She had retained famed criminal defense Attorney John F. Cicilline, whose client list included mob boss Raymond Patriarca. Investigators flew to Providence R.I. after being told Lillian is willing to speak with them. As the meeting began Lillian informed investigators that her attorney instructed her not to answer their questions.
1990-1999 "America's Most Wanted" and "Unsolved Mysteries"
In January 1990, the FBI received a letter postmarked January 23, 1981 and written by someone claiming to be Donald Webb, asking for forgiveness from Adams' family. The letter suggested he might surrender to authorities, but only if he could talk directly to John Walsh (America's Most Wanted). the FBI conducted handwriting tests on the letter and they were inconclusive
On April 1, 1990, a man claiming to be Donald Webb called John Walsh but when asked questions to confirm his identity, was unable to name two of Donald's closest relatives. The call was dismissed as a hoax. The murder case was featured in an episode of Unsolved Mysteries. On September 14, 1999, Donald E. Webb was noted as the fugitive with the longest tenure on the FBI Ten Most Wanted list.
In 2005 Lillian was granted a divorce from Donald based on "Desertion".
April 2015 FBI New Special Agent
In April 2015 a new FBI agent was assigned to the Donald Webb case and new information was revealed about Lillian and her role in the case. In interviewing many personal associates of Lillian and Donald it was determined they had a strong and loving marriage. Lillian on many occasions visited Donald out of state while he was incarcerated. Her son (Stanley) was an infant when she married Donald, and her son then took the Webb last name.
While under FBI surveillance during the early years of the Webb investigation, Lillian would routinely use evasive driving techniques, wear wigs, and changed her hair color in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. The FBI had installed a hidden camera across the street from her home, later review of footage showed Lillian would pull into the garage in a suspicious manner. She wouldn't exit her vehicle until the garage door was fully closed.
The FBI interviewed Lillian in April 2015 and Lillian again denied ever seeing or speaking to Donald since the murder of Chief Adams. Lillian also denied having any photographs of Donald in her residence. Lillian was asked about her cellphone, which she denied having one, but Massachusetts State Police confirmed she has a cellphone kept in her vehicle.
December 2015 FBI Increasing Reward to $100,000
Although Donald Webb was still a fugitive wanted by the FBI, the significant lack of leads made some investigators believe he had died. On December 4, 2015, the FBI increased their reward to $100,000 for information leading to his arrest, or to the location of his remains. The FBI special agent assigned to the case believed he was still alive.
November 2016 FBI Searches 28 Maplecrest Drive, Dartmouth
In November 2016, the FBI executed a search of 28 Maplecrest Dr. Dartmouth and discovered a hidden room found adjacent to a clothes closet in the lower basement level of the home. The hidden room is about the size of a large shower stall. There was a hook lock on the inside of the door, which was on the top of the door. Lillian would've been prevented from reaching the locking mechanism due to her height. Lillian admitted she had the room constructed in 1997 as a safe room if her home was ever burglarized. Located inside the secret room was a black walking cane, and three (3) boxes of silver-colored coins. Lillian claimed she didn't have any knowledge about the ownership of the cane or the coins. Also recovered from the residence was forty-two (42) photographs of Donald and Lillian, which the FBI later released to the public. A public records search located a landline phone registered to Donald Webb at 28 Maplecrest Dr. Dartmouth. It's important to note, at the time of the murder (1980) Lillian lived at 29C Carriage Drive in New Bedford, the Dartmouth residence was purchased in 1997.
Family of Chief Adams Files Civil Suit 2017
On April 10, 2017 the FBI notified the family of Chief Adams the results of the November 2016 search of Lillian's Dartmouth home. The FBI is operating under the belief that Donald is alive. "There's no evidence that Mr. Webb is deceased."
As a result of the new information provided by the FBI, On June 1 2017 the family of Chief Adams filed a civil lawsuit in excess of a $1 million against against Lillian, her son Stanley and also Donald (unknown if alive). The civil action is intended to get answers from Lillian and Stanley, who appear to know what happened to Donald. It's hoped by filing the civil suit it will bring forth new information on whereabouts of Donald. Count I: wrongful death — murder ; Count II: civil conspiracy — accessory after the fact ; Count III: civil conspiracy — hindering apprehension of a murderer.
June 2017 FBI Searches 28 Maplecrest Drive, Dartmouth
On June 28 2017 the FBI returned to the Dartmouth property with a new search warrant. The warrant was to seize items that could contain Donald's DNA, including the hidden room door, the door frame and the cane. Investigators observed an oval shaped area in the backyard that appeared to have been disturbed and not fitting the same appearance as the rest of the well-maintained yard.
July 2017 Lillian Webb Meets with Law Enforcement
On July 12 2017 Attorney Jack Cicilline who represents Lillian conducted a conference call and informed investigators that Lillian would like to meet to discuss her knowledge of Donald Webb. The purpose of this conference call was to inquire as to the exact details of Lillian's knowledge of Donald's current location dead or alive.
Lillian informed investigators that Donald returned to Massachusetts after the murder suffering from a broken left leg. Donald followed Lillian to Tobey Hospital in the white Mercury Cougar. Once at the hospital, leaving Donald behind, she took the Mercury Cougar and drove it to the motel in Warwick R.I. in an attempt to have law enforcement think Donald was in Rhode Island and not Massachusetts.
Donald was hospitalized under the alias of "John" (last name unknown) at Tobey Hospital for four (4) weeks. After being discharged Donald resided in a rented room for about a year. He maintained communications with Lillian by calling her at work. Lillian stated that Donald became suicidal and the decision was made to move into the house located at 275 Hawthorn St. New Bedford, where he spent his days hiding in the garage or sneaking into the basement at night. In 1997 they moved to Maplecrest Dr. Dartmouth where he remained in hiding until his death.
Lillian offered more specific details on Donald's death. In late 1999 Donald suffered a stroke and was paralyzed all over. She claimed Donald told her that he was dying and she needed to start digging a grave for him in the backyard. She said she started working on it in the nights, a little at a time. It was winter and she said it was hard to dig through the frozen soil, but it was a shallow grave, about three feet deep. On December 30, 1999, Donald died, Lillian told investigators. She put his body into a plastic tub, pushed it down three steps, dragged it into the backyard and dumped his body into the hole.
Lillian, after explaining details of his death, offered to lead investigators to the site where Donald's remains were buried - in exchange for immunity. The Butler County District Attorney's office granted Lillian immunity from criminal and civil prosecution in exchange for information. She also received a similar immunity deal in Massachusetts. The immunity deal doesn't extend to any federal charges that may be filed. Lillian then led investigators to the exact spot where the remains of Donald along with a .22 revolver were buried, behind the shed in her backyard.
July 2017 Webb's Remains Unearthed. "He lived, hid, died and was ultimately buried at home"
On July 13 2017 the remains of Donald Webb were exhumed and positively identified by the Medical Examiner via dental records. Saxonburg Mayor Bill Gillespie and Police Chief Joe Beachem traveled to Massachusetts to watch investigators unearth the remains. The cause of death could not be determined. Examination of his remains showed a broken leg (2 places) which didn't heal properly, causing his immobility. Coincidentally July 14 2017 is Donald's 86th birthday.
On September 13 2017 the remains of Donald E. Webb were laid to rest in West Lawn Cemetery in Lowell MA.
The $100,000 reward posted by the FBI will not be paid out since the discovery was made through investigative efforts.
Opinion
Other than the early attempts to gain Lillian’s cooperation—which failed—the FBI never tried to obtain a search warrant for Webb. The first time the FBI executed a search warrant at Webb’s home was in 2016, thirty-six (36) years after the murder. They used much of the same information available to them decades earlier to justify the search. The search yielded a hidden room possibly used by Webb.
In 2017, investigators from the Massachusetts and Pennsylvania State Police, relying partly on information in the FBI search affidavit about the secret room and the Bureau’s contact with Lillian in 2016, executed another search warrant. During this search, the location of Donald Eugene Webb's remains were located.
It took the FBI thirty-six (36) years to get a search warrant to search a location intimately connected to Webb. It took thirty-seven (37) and the assistance of two State Police agencies to do what they should have done all those years ago. The FBI explained to Chief Adams’s family they were doing everything in their power to catch his killer. It would seem they put his name on the most wanted list and forgot about it.
For almost nineteen (19) years after the murder, Donald Eugene Webb was alive and living in Dartmouth. Yet the FBI never looked for him in the most likely place. They were grossly inept in ignoring the evidence, or they intentionally left a murderer remain free.
In 2017, Chief Adams’s widow, files a lawsuit against Lillian Webb and her son, Stanley, for wrongful death. This raises questions about why it took the FBI all those years to find Donald Webb. Despite the evidence of Webb’s injuries, which common sense dictates would spark an inquiry at hospitals in New England—Webb’s home turf—investigators never found him. Or they never looked.
Despite many reports of Webb being seen several times in New Bedford, it took almost thirty-seven (37) years for them to focus on Webb’s wife and step-son.
Pending Trial Stanley Webb Gaming Machines 2017
Stanley took the last name Webb when his mother Lillian married Donald Webb in 1961. Stanley is the step-son of Donald. Stanley Webb was a former New Bedford police officer from 1981-1984, and a former a part-time manager of illegal poker machines. These machines would later lead to a gaming conviction which was later overturned in 2007.
In June 1983 during a search for illegal poker machines, forty-three (43) machines were seized. Law Enforcement immediately suspected someone had leaked the word about the upcoming search for those machines at local businesses. The New Bedford Police internal affairs investigators suspected Stanley of being that source. An investigation ensued and Stanley refused to answer the majority of the questions as instructed by his attorney, John M. Cicilline.
In 1984 he resigned from the New Bedford Police Department and plead guilty to running an illegal lottery.
Nutel Communications
Stanley Webb is the president of Nutel Communications based in Fall River. In 2002 Fall River Police seized machines inside two restaurants owned by Nutel Communications, additionally in 2004 Freetown Police seized 3 machines at a local restaurant, no charges were filed.
Stanley claims they aren't gambling machines, but are vending machines. The machines that allow users to play poker, and other games of chance, which printed receipts that were exchanged at the bar for cash prizes. The decision was the result of criminal charges brought against Webb for operating phone card machines that offered users the opportunity to play games of chance in Fall River in 2002. He was convicted in Fall River District Court of setting up or promoting a lottery, but the Appeals Court overturned the conviction, stating that prosecutors failed to establish the element of price to participate in the game, which is a key factor in the “lotteries” section of the state’s gaming law. Since the Appeals Court found his games could be played for free, it overturned the conviction. The state Supreme Judicial Court upheld the Appeals Court decision in Commonwealth vs. Webb.
In January 2017 Stanley Webb and Jacqueline Webb became targets of an illegal gaming investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office.
Investigation
On June 1 2017 a civil lawsuit in excess of $1 million is filed against Stanley, his mother Lillian, and also Donald Webb (if alive). The civil action was intended force Lillian and Stanley to provide information on the whereabouts of Donald Webb. Donald Webb was a wanted fugitive for a 1980 murder of a Police Chief Gregory Adams in Saxonburg Pennsylvania. (see "Solved Murders" on the Dartmouth page)
June 2017 Search Warrant for DNA & Seizure of Gambling Machines
On June 28 2017 The FBI arrived at the Lillian's Dartmouth home with a new search warrant. The warrant was to seize items that could contain Donald's DNA.
On the same day, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office conducted raids on numerous businesses throughout the local area confiscating vending machines owned by Nutel Communications of Fall River. Law enforcement was specifically targeting Stanley Webb’s machines, and confiscated roughly three hundred (300) machines throughout the area.
Indictments June 28 2018
On June 28 2018 Stanley Webb, 62, was indicted along with his daughter Jaqueline Webb, 35, her husband Brian Pinheiro, 35, the company they own, Nutel Communications Inc., and their associate Romie Jones, 47. The four (4) have been indicted in connection with a large-scale investigation into a major multi-million-dollar illegal gambling and money laundering scheme. Today’s indictments by a statewide grand jury are the result of an extensive investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office, the Massachusetts State Police, with assistance from various federal, state and local authorities, including the Massachusetts Lottery, the Massachusetts Treasury, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
The indictments are also the culmination of the largest-ever take down in the history of the Massachusetts State Police Unit assigned to the Attorney General’s Office. The take down included the execution of 100 search warrants carried out by more than 300 police officers, and resulted in the seizure of more than $2.1 million, precious metals, and tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of various types of property. The indictments come one year to the day that the machines were confiscated.
Authorities allege that the defendants were operating 130 illegal Nutel gambling machines they had placed near Massachusetts State Lottery products in various establishments including social clubs, sports bars, convenience stores and gas stations throughout eastern Massachusetts. Authorities recovered more than $450,000 of the $2.1 million from a hidden compartment in Stanley Webb’s Westport home.
Nutel Communications Inc., Stanley Webb, Jacqueline Webb, Brian Pinheiro, and Romie Jones were all indicted on one (1) count each of keeping a place for registering bets; organizing and promoting gambling; unlawful operation of a gaming device; conspiracy to keep a place for registering bets; and conspiracy to operate an illegal gaming device.
The Webbs and Nutel have also been charged with a total of twenty-six (26) counts of money laundering, and along with Pinheiro, they have been charged with one (1) count each of the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The Webbs and Pinheiro were also indicted on one (1) count of failure to file income tax returns in 2016 in connection with the money laundering scheme. Stanley Webb has also been charged with on four (4) counts of improper storage of a firearm.
Update: No Trial Date yet
Lawyers returned to Suffolk Superior Court in February 2020 for a status conference, where future court dates and potentially a trial date could be set. Stanley Webb is currently free on personal recognizance. He was required to surrender his passport and remain in Massachusetts unless he has court permission to leave the state.
Donut Factory
In 2017 Stanley along with his wife Melody, and daughter Jacqueline opened the Donut Factory located in Fairhaven.
Stanley took the last name Webb when his mother Lillian married Donald Webb in 1961. Stanley is the step-son of Donald. Stanley Webb was a former New Bedford police officer from 1981-1984, and a former a part-time manager of illegal poker machines. These machines would later lead to a gaming conviction which was later overturned in 2007.
In June 1983 during a search for illegal poker machines, forty-three (43) machines were seized. Law Enforcement immediately suspected someone had leaked the word about the upcoming search for those machines at local businesses. The New Bedford Police internal affairs investigators suspected Stanley of being that source. An investigation ensued and Stanley refused to answer the majority of the questions as instructed by his attorney, John M. Cicilline.
In 1984 he resigned from the New Bedford Police Department and plead guilty to running an illegal lottery.
Nutel Communications
Stanley Webb is the president of Nutel Communications based in Fall River. In 2002 Fall River Police seized machines inside two restaurants owned by Nutel Communications, additionally in 2004 Freetown Police seized 3 machines at a local restaurant, no charges were filed.
Stanley claims they aren't gambling machines, but are vending machines. The machines that allow users to play poker, and other games of chance, which printed receipts that were exchanged at the bar for cash prizes. The decision was the result of criminal charges brought against Webb for operating phone card machines that offered users the opportunity to play games of chance in Fall River in 2002. He was convicted in Fall River District Court of setting up or promoting a lottery, but the Appeals Court overturned the conviction, stating that prosecutors failed to establish the element of price to participate in the game, which is a key factor in the “lotteries” section of the state’s gaming law. Since the Appeals Court found his games could be played for free, it overturned the conviction. The state Supreme Judicial Court upheld the Appeals Court decision in Commonwealth vs. Webb.
In January 2017 Stanley Webb and Jacqueline Webb became targets of an illegal gaming investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office.
Investigation
On June 1 2017 a civil lawsuit in excess of $1 million is filed against Stanley, his mother Lillian, and also Donald Webb (if alive). The civil action was intended force Lillian and Stanley to provide information on the whereabouts of Donald Webb. Donald Webb was a wanted fugitive for a 1980 murder of a Police Chief Gregory Adams in Saxonburg Pennsylvania. (see "Solved Murders" on the Dartmouth page)
June 2017 Search Warrant for DNA & Seizure of Gambling Machines
On June 28 2017 The FBI arrived at the Lillian's Dartmouth home with a new search warrant. The warrant was to seize items that could contain Donald's DNA.
On the same day, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office conducted raids on numerous businesses throughout the local area confiscating vending machines owned by Nutel Communications of Fall River. Law enforcement was specifically targeting Stanley Webb’s machines, and confiscated roughly three hundred (300) machines throughout the area.
Indictments June 28 2018
On June 28 2018 Stanley Webb, 62, was indicted along with his daughter Jaqueline Webb, 35, her husband Brian Pinheiro, 35, the company they own, Nutel Communications Inc., and their associate Romie Jones, 47. The four (4) have been indicted in connection with a large-scale investigation into a major multi-million-dollar illegal gambling and money laundering scheme. Today’s indictments by a statewide grand jury are the result of an extensive investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office, the Massachusetts State Police, with assistance from various federal, state and local authorities, including the Massachusetts Lottery, the Massachusetts Treasury, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
The indictments are also the culmination of the largest-ever take down in the history of the Massachusetts State Police Unit assigned to the Attorney General’s Office. The take down included the execution of 100 search warrants carried out by more than 300 police officers, and resulted in the seizure of more than $2.1 million, precious metals, and tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of various types of property. The indictments come one year to the day that the machines were confiscated.
Authorities allege that the defendants were operating 130 illegal Nutel gambling machines they had placed near Massachusetts State Lottery products in various establishments including social clubs, sports bars, convenience stores and gas stations throughout eastern Massachusetts. Authorities recovered more than $450,000 of the $2.1 million from a hidden compartment in Stanley Webb’s Westport home.
Nutel Communications Inc., Stanley Webb, Jacqueline Webb, Brian Pinheiro, and Romie Jones were all indicted on one (1) count each of keeping a place for registering bets; organizing and promoting gambling; unlawful operation of a gaming device; conspiracy to keep a place for registering bets; and conspiracy to operate an illegal gaming device.
The Webbs and Nutel have also been charged with a total of twenty-six (26) counts of money laundering, and along with Pinheiro, they have been charged with one (1) count each of the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The Webbs and Pinheiro were also indicted on one (1) count of failure to file income tax returns in 2016 in connection with the money laundering scheme. Stanley Webb has also been charged with on four (4) counts of improper storage of a firearm.
Update: No Trial Date yet
Lawyers returned to Suffolk Superior Court in February 2020 for a status conference, where future court dates and potentially a trial date could be set. Stanley Webb is currently free on personal recognizance. He was required to surrender his passport and remain in Massachusetts unless he has court permission to leave the state.
Donut Factory
In 2017 Stanley along with his wife Melody, and daughter Jacqueline opened the Donut Factory located in Fairhaven.
Elizabeth Barrow 2009 Solved
On Sept 24 2009 Elizabeth Barrow (100) was suffocated and strangled by Laura Lundquist (98) inside Brandon Woods Nursing home. Lundquist was upset and believed that her roommate, Barrow, was secretly conspiring to take over the room. At 6:20AM, Barrow was found dead with a sheet pulled over her head and a plastic bag tied around her head. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Lundquist was indicted for second-degree murder and was sent to Taunton State Hospital for a competency evaluation. It was later determined Lundquist has a long history of dementia and was found not competent to stand trial, and was committed to Taunton State Hospital. She to the age 102 and has since passed away. Lundquist is the oldest murder defendant in state history.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office also declined to file criminal charges against the nursing home.
In January 2010, Brandon Woods donated $5,000 in Elizabeth Barrow’s memory to the Dartmouth Public Library to buy large-print books.
Department of Public Health Investigation
The Department of Public Health conducted a 10-week investigation that cleared Brandon Woods Nursing Home of any wrongdoing.
Civil Lawsuit
The family of Elizabeth Barrow filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the defendant (Lundquist) and the nursing home. The 54-count civil lawsuit filed in Essex Superior Court named the executive director of Brandon Woods; several nursing home staff members; and Laura Lundquist, who is charged with the murder.
The lawsuit sought an unspecified amount of damages and alleges that the Executive Director and nursing home staff were negligent by failing to provide a safe environment for Barrow.
Within days of filing the lawsuit, the nursing home, through its lawyers, filed court pleadings to force the case to binding arbitration, a form of dispute resolution that takes place outside of a courtroom without a jury. The nursing home’s position was that Barrow's son had signed an arbitration document when his parents were admitted to the nursing home, which they claimed was a binding enforceable agreement and waived the right to a trial by jury.
A Superior Court justice allowed the nursing home’s motion, forcing the case to arbitration. The case was arbitrated and the arbitrator, who does repeat business with the defense and insurance companies, found in favor of the defendants. The case was then a filed with the Massachusetts Appeals Court, who then ruled in favor of Barrow's son. The arbitration decision was vacated and the case was remanded back to the Superior Court for a trial by jury.
Once the case was remanded, the nursing home attempted two more times to dismiss the case. First, by filing a motion to dismiss, which failed. Then filing a motion for summary judgment to remove the management people and the punitive damages claims, which also failed. The case was assigned for trial on September 12, 2016, in New Bedford Superior Court. The jury was selected, then moments before opening statements the case was settled by the plaintiffs.
New Federal Regulations Established
On September 28, 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented a new rule that bars any nursing home that receives federal funding from requiring that its residents resolve any disputes in arbitration. The new rule still allows arbitration, but only as an option after a dispute has occurred and only if a resident or the resident’s representative agrees to enter into arbitration to resolve the dispute. Facilities can no longer require that residents sign binding arbitration agreements as a condition of admission to the nursing home. These rule changes are a step towards protecting the rights of nursing home patients.
On Sept 24 2009 Elizabeth Barrow (100) was suffocated and strangled by Laura Lundquist (98) inside Brandon Woods Nursing home. Lundquist was upset and believed that her roommate, Barrow, was secretly conspiring to take over the room. At 6:20AM, Barrow was found dead with a sheet pulled over her head and a plastic bag tied around her head. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Lundquist was indicted for second-degree murder and was sent to Taunton State Hospital for a competency evaluation. It was later determined Lundquist has a long history of dementia and was found not competent to stand trial, and was committed to Taunton State Hospital. She to the age 102 and has since passed away. Lundquist is the oldest murder defendant in state history.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office also declined to file criminal charges against the nursing home.
In January 2010, Brandon Woods donated $5,000 in Elizabeth Barrow’s memory to the Dartmouth Public Library to buy large-print books.
Department of Public Health Investigation
The Department of Public Health conducted a 10-week investigation that cleared Brandon Woods Nursing Home of any wrongdoing.
Civil Lawsuit
The family of Elizabeth Barrow filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the defendant (Lundquist) and the nursing home. The 54-count civil lawsuit filed in Essex Superior Court named the executive director of Brandon Woods; several nursing home staff members; and Laura Lundquist, who is charged with the murder.
The lawsuit sought an unspecified amount of damages and alleges that the Executive Director and nursing home staff were negligent by failing to provide a safe environment for Barrow.
Within days of filing the lawsuit, the nursing home, through its lawyers, filed court pleadings to force the case to binding arbitration, a form of dispute resolution that takes place outside of a courtroom without a jury. The nursing home’s position was that Barrow's son had signed an arbitration document when his parents were admitted to the nursing home, which they claimed was a binding enforceable agreement and waived the right to a trial by jury.
A Superior Court justice allowed the nursing home’s motion, forcing the case to arbitration. The case was arbitrated and the arbitrator, who does repeat business with the defense and insurance companies, found in favor of the defendants. The case was then a filed with the Massachusetts Appeals Court, who then ruled in favor of Barrow's son. The arbitration decision was vacated and the case was remanded back to the Superior Court for a trial by jury.
Once the case was remanded, the nursing home attempted two more times to dismiss the case. First, by filing a motion to dismiss, which failed. Then filing a motion for summary judgment to remove the management people and the punitive damages claims, which also failed. The case was assigned for trial on September 12, 2016, in New Bedford Superior Court. The jury was selected, then moments before opening statements the case was settled by the plaintiffs.
New Federal Regulations Established
On September 28, 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented a new rule that bars any nursing home that receives federal funding from requiring that its residents resolve any disputes in arbitration. The new rule still allows arbitration, but only as an option after a dispute has occurred and only if a resident or the resident’s representative agrees to enter into arbitration to resolve the dispute. Facilities can no longer require that residents sign binding arbitration agreements as a condition of admission to the nursing home. These rule changes are a step towards protecting the rights of nursing home patients.
Valerie Oransky 2006 Solved
On July 22 2006 Valerie Oransky (39) was stabbed to death inside the Old County Buffet Restaurant in the Dartmouth Towne Center.
Ryan Jones (28) was an employee at the restaurant as a dishwasher. He had been employed at the restaurant for three (3) years and had no disciplinary issues, and had received satisfactory work performance reviews.
Jones on occasion had disagreements with his manager, Valerie Oransky, on how he was conducting specific cleaning on pots and pans. Jones became increasingly more hostile toward Oransky and made verbal threats about her to other employees.
Two (2) weeks prior to the stabbing, Jones informed a co-worker of his plan lure Oransky into the restroom where he would stab and strangle her. The co-worker notified Oransky of this information, which she interpreted as a joke, and dismissed it.
On the date of the murder, Jones arrived at work earlier than scheduled and told Oransky that there was something wrong with one of the toilets in the restroom, they walked together into the restroom, and shortly after Jones exited yelling for someone to call 9-1-1 because someone had come through the rear door of the restaurant with a knife and stabbed Oransky. Dartmouth Police and paramedics arrived to discover Oransky in the restroom stall, stabbed and not breathing. It appeared she had been stabbed multiple times and was beaten with a pipe. A knife and pipe were recovered from the stall and were next to Oransky's body.
A membership card for a local wholesale club containing someone's name was recovered inside the stall. This individual was not an employee of the restaurant. During an interview with investigators, Jones described the assailant as a black male wearing a white shirt, black pants, dark colored hooded sweatshirt, white sneakers, leather gloves and wearing a black mask. Jones stated the assailant, attempted to stab him, then stabbed Oransky, then exited the rear door and fled on foot towards the mall. Dartmouth Police conducted a search using a K-9, no track and no suspect was located.
Jones appeared to have injuries to his left hand as well as blood spots on his clothing, and face. Ultimately Jones confessed that Oransky kept harassing him about his job and he was the assailant. He also admitted to staging the crime scene to make it appear he was a victim, and that the assailant had dropped the club membership card while committing the crime.
DNA testing was conducted on the blood spots on Jones, his glasses and socks. The blood type matched that of Oransky. Blood was also found on the knife as well as fingerprints were on the restroom stall, and the club membership card. Jones was arrested and charged with 1st degree murder with deliberate indifference, premeditation and extreme atrocity. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Appeal 2017
Jones appealed his conviction claiming he was developmentally disabled and was not competent to stand trial. Jones claimed he was not competent to stand trial due to an organic brain injury he had suffered as an infant and a current diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
The defendant was the subject of competency hearings before five (5) different Superior Court judges, and was found competent to stand trial at the first, third, fourth, and fifth hearings. At trial, his defense was that he was not criminally responsible. He also argues that a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, imposed on a developmentally disabled individual, constitutes cruel and unusual punishment in violation of Federal and State constitutional rights. The appeal was denied.
On July 22 2006 Valerie Oransky (39) was stabbed to death inside the Old County Buffet Restaurant in the Dartmouth Towne Center.
Ryan Jones (28) was an employee at the restaurant as a dishwasher. He had been employed at the restaurant for three (3) years and had no disciplinary issues, and had received satisfactory work performance reviews.
Jones on occasion had disagreements with his manager, Valerie Oransky, on how he was conducting specific cleaning on pots and pans. Jones became increasingly more hostile toward Oransky and made verbal threats about her to other employees.
Two (2) weeks prior to the stabbing, Jones informed a co-worker of his plan lure Oransky into the restroom where he would stab and strangle her. The co-worker notified Oransky of this information, which she interpreted as a joke, and dismissed it.
On the date of the murder, Jones arrived at work earlier than scheduled and told Oransky that there was something wrong with one of the toilets in the restroom, they walked together into the restroom, and shortly after Jones exited yelling for someone to call 9-1-1 because someone had come through the rear door of the restaurant with a knife and stabbed Oransky. Dartmouth Police and paramedics arrived to discover Oransky in the restroom stall, stabbed and not breathing. It appeared she had been stabbed multiple times and was beaten with a pipe. A knife and pipe were recovered from the stall and were next to Oransky's body.
A membership card for a local wholesale club containing someone's name was recovered inside the stall. This individual was not an employee of the restaurant. During an interview with investigators, Jones described the assailant as a black male wearing a white shirt, black pants, dark colored hooded sweatshirt, white sneakers, leather gloves and wearing a black mask. Jones stated the assailant, attempted to stab him, then stabbed Oransky, then exited the rear door and fled on foot towards the mall. Dartmouth Police conducted a search using a K-9, no track and no suspect was located.
Jones appeared to have injuries to his left hand as well as blood spots on his clothing, and face. Ultimately Jones confessed that Oransky kept harassing him about his job and he was the assailant. He also admitted to staging the crime scene to make it appear he was a victim, and that the assailant had dropped the club membership card while committing the crime.
DNA testing was conducted on the blood spots on Jones, his glasses and socks. The blood type matched that of Oransky. Blood was also found on the knife as well as fingerprints were on the restroom stall, and the club membership card. Jones was arrested and charged with 1st degree murder with deliberate indifference, premeditation and extreme atrocity. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Appeal 2017
Jones appealed his conviction claiming he was developmentally disabled and was not competent to stand trial. Jones claimed he was not competent to stand trial due to an organic brain injury he had suffered as an infant and a current diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
The defendant was the subject of competency hearings before five (5) different Superior Court judges, and was found competent to stand trial at the first, third, fourth, and fifth hearings. At trial, his defense was that he was not criminally responsible. He also argues that a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, imposed on a developmentally disabled individual, constitutes cruel and unusual punishment in violation of Federal and State constitutional rights. The appeal was denied.
Dartmouth High School Murder 1993 Solved
On April 12 1993 three (3) armed teenagers walked into Dartmouth High School, through several corridors and finally stopping at a social studies classroom where 16 year old Jason Robinson was stabbed and later died from his injuries. Gator (Jeremy) Colett (16), his cousin Karter Reed (16), and Nigel Thomas (15) were charged with murder and held without bail in separate youth detention centers. All three (3) pleaded not guilty at their arraignment.
According to police Gator went after Jason with a bat, and while the classroom teacher was wrestling Gator to the ground, Karter approached and stabbed Jason. Nigel ran from the classroom, both Karter and Nigel were later caught before being able to flee the school building. It was later determined Jason was an innocent bystander, and the intended target Shawn Pina was sitting in the office waiting to go home.
Why was Pina the intended target? Pina and another unidentified male were involved in an altercation with Nigel a few days prior, Its alleged insults were made to Nigel about his deceased mother.
Nigel lived with his step-father until two weeks ago prior to the murder, when he moved in with Gator's family. Nigel had filed an abuse complaint against his stepfather last month. Nigel's father lives in Denmark and was a freshman at Dartmouth High, Gator was a sophomore and recently transferred from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School where he had significant disciplinary problems and was asked to withdraw. Karter was also a student at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Trial Outcome
Gator Collet was tried as an adult, plead guilty to manslaughter and served ten (10) years in prison
Karter Reed was tried as an adult, convicted of 2nd degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison.
Nigel Thomas was sentenced to one (1) year probation was later moved to Europe to reside with his father.
In April 2016 the book about the alleged imperfect justice system for juvenile offenders in the adult prison system. The problem was Karter Reed contributed to the books content and even wrote the Epilogue. Even more disturbing the Massachusetts Parole Board approved Reed to travel along with author during her book tour. The author even dedicated the book the Karter Reed and his family. The Robinson Family was outraged and protested the released of the book about the convicted killer.
On April 12 1993 three (3) armed teenagers walked into Dartmouth High School, through several corridors and finally stopping at a social studies classroom where 16 year old Jason Robinson was stabbed and later died from his injuries. Gator (Jeremy) Colett (16), his cousin Karter Reed (16), and Nigel Thomas (15) were charged with murder and held without bail in separate youth detention centers. All three (3) pleaded not guilty at their arraignment.
According to police Gator went after Jason with a bat, and while the classroom teacher was wrestling Gator to the ground, Karter approached and stabbed Jason. Nigel ran from the classroom, both Karter and Nigel were later caught before being able to flee the school building. It was later determined Jason was an innocent bystander, and the intended target Shawn Pina was sitting in the office waiting to go home.
Why was Pina the intended target? Pina and another unidentified male were involved in an altercation with Nigel a few days prior, Its alleged insults were made to Nigel about his deceased mother.
Nigel lived with his step-father until two weeks ago prior to the murder, when he moved in with Gator's family. Nigel had filed an abuse complaint against his stepfather last month. Nigel's father lives in Denmark and was a freshman at Dartmouth High, Gator was a sophomore and recently transferred from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School where he had significant disciplinary problems and was asked to withdraw. Karter was also a student at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Trial Outcome
Gator Collet was tried as an adult, plead guilty to manslaughter and served ten (10) years in prison
Karter Reed was tried as an adult, convicted of 2nd degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison.
Nigel Thomas was sentenced to one (1) year probation was later moved to Europe to reside with his father.
In April 2016 the book about the alleged imperfect justice system for juvenile offenders in the adult prison system. The problem was Karter Reed contributed to the books content and even wrote the Epilogue. Even more disturbing the Massachusetts Parole Board approved Reed to travel along with author during her book tour. The author even dedicated the book the Karter Reed and his family. The Robinson Family was outraged and protested the released of the book about the convicted killer.
Albert Renauld 1991 Solved
On October 22 1991 Albert Renauld (30) in an attempt to stop two (2) individuals from stealing his truck from the Dartmouth Mall parking lot, was struck by the fleeing vehicle and died the next day.
Charles Chase III (22) and Roy Farias went to the Dartmouth Mall with the intent to steal tools as well as a vehicle. They chose the Renauld's truck because it had tool boxes on its side. Chase broke the truck's window, unlocked the door, entered, broke the ignition off with a claw hammer and pliers, and started the engine.
According to a witness, the vehicle accelerated, squealed the tires then Renauld exited the store and began to run towards the drivers side door. Chase was the operator and without slowing or stopping driving directly towards Renauld, struck Renauld, tossing him in the air and then leaving him laying on the ground unconscious. Chase after hitting Renauld, accelerated and drove around the corner, where he met an acquaintance and fled the area.
The truck was recovered in Rhode Island several hours after the incident. Dartmouth Police examined the truck which was garaged at the Tiverton Police Department. The passenger window and steering column were broken, the ignition was popped, and there was a rust spot on the driver's side of the body. A forensics examination was conducted and found no human hair, skin, blood, or clothing fibers on the outside of the truck. The truck was then towed to the Dartmouth Police Department for further inspection. No physical evidence indicating where the victim was hit, no fingerprints and recovered inculpatory evidence. Both the Massachusetts State police and Dartmouth Police photographed the truck's exterior.
On November 5, 1991, Chase was arrested for armed robbery in Easton, a crime unrelated to the Dartmouth incident. He was arraigned in the Taunton District Court on November 6, 1991, and assigned counsel for purposes of bail only. The case was continued to November 14, 1991, for conference and the appointment of counsel, and Chase remained in custody on $50,000 cash bail. On November 7, 1991 he was transported to the Dartmouth House of Correction.
On November 7 1991 The Massachusetts State Police interviewed regarding the incident at the Dartmouth Mall. Chase explained to the trooper "if I had a gun I would've shot him. I wasn't going to stop" At the time of the Dartmouth incident, Chase was on supervised probation for a 30-month sentence imposed on September 3 1991.
Police Captain Purchases Truck 1991
In late December, 1991, an insurance adjuster had calculated the truck was a "constructive total loss" for the benefit of the victim's family. Dartmouth Police Captain Herbert Tondreau purchased the truck. He drafted an undated bill of sale and paid Renauld's family $1,200. Tondreau took possession of the truck upon its release in March, 1992, and had it repaired in late April, 1992. The repairs included sanding and painting the driver's side door and mechanical work.
Trial Outcome 1993
Chase was indicted on 1st degree murder, Motor Vehicle Homicide, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and Larceny of Property over $250. On the first day of trial, Chase plead guilty to the larceny charges. On May 26 1993 Chase was convicted of 2nd degree murder in the Renauld case. He was sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole, additionally he was convicted of the other charges and receive concurrent sentences for each charge.
On June 1 1994 Chase was convicted of multiple counts of armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon relating to the case In Easton. He was sentenced to five (5) concurrent sentences to run from and after his life sentence.
Appeal 1997 - Denied
Chase filed an appeal on four (4) points. The last point was the Commonwealth destroyed potentially exculpatory evidence. On January 10, 1992, the parties executed an agreement providing that defense counsel could inspect physical evidence upon twenty-four hour notice to the prosecution. In March 1992, the Bristol County district attorney's office released the truck from the custodial pool of physical evidence without notifying defense counsel. The defense filed a motion to inspect the truck on May 21, 1992. At that time, the prosecution informed them that it had been released from custody in March 1992.
The prosecution's release of the truck that was allegedly used by the defendant to run down and kill the truck's owner, before the defendant had inspected it, was at worst, negligent. The defense counsel argued the prosecution had intentionally destroyed material, potentially exculpatory evidence by releasing the truck from their custody before he had an opportunity to inspect it. The judge held a three-day evidentiary hearing, which included fifteen exhibits and the testimony of fourteen witnesses. The judge denied the defendant's motion to dismiss. He concluded that no evidence had been deliberately destroyed and that the prosecution's culpability fell "at worst only to the level of negligence." The judge said that the circumstances of the truck's release and sale were unusual, but the fact that the purchaser was a Dartmouth police officer was not significant. The judge further concluded that the physical evidence lost or destroyed was not material. His appeal was rejected.
Parole Hearing 2023
In a January 18, 2023 decision, the state's parole board voted to release Chase from prison next year — despite having denied him parole in 2021, due in part to concerns over his affiliation with a white supremacy group in prison.
Following a year in a lower-security facility, Chase is set for release on conditions including drug and alcohol testing, electronic monitoring, and a ban on contact or association with any hate group or gang.
On October 22 1991 Albert Renauld (30) in an attempt to stop two (2) individuals from stealing his truck from the Dartmouth Mall parking lot, was struck by the fleeing vehicle and died the next day.
Charles Chase III (22) and Roy Farias went to the Dartmouth Mall with the intent to steal tools as well as a vehicle. They chose the Renauld's truck because it had tool boxes on its side. Chase broke the truck's window, unlocked the door, entered, broke the ignition off with a claw hammer and pliers, and started the engine.
According to a witness, the vehicle accelerated, squealed the tires then Renauld exited the store and began to run towards the drivers side door. Chase was the operator and without slowing or stopping driving directly towards Renauld, struck Renauld, tossing him in the air and then leaving him laying on the ground unconscious. Chase after hitting Renauld, accelerated and drove around the corner, where he met an acquaintance and fled the area.
The truck was recovered in Rhode Island several hours after the incident. Dartmouth Police examined the truck which was garaged at the Tiverton Police Department. The passenger window and steering column were broken, the ignition was popped, and there was a rust spot on the driver's side of the body. A forensics examination was conducted and found no human hair, skin, blood, or clothing fibers on the outside of the truck. The truck was then towed to the Dartmouth Police Department for further inspection. No physical evidence indicating where the victim was hit, no fingerprints and recovered inculpatory evidence. Both the Massachusetts State police and Dartmouth Police photographed the truck's exterior.
On November 5, 1991, Chase was arrested for armed robbery in Easton, a crime unrelated to the Dartmouth incident. He was arraigned in the Taunton District Court on November 6, 1991, and assigned counsel for purposes of bail only. The case was continued to November 14, 1991, for conference and the appointment of counsel, and Chase remained in custody on $50,000 cash bail. On November 7, 1991 he was transported to the Dartmouth House of Correction.
On November 7 1991 The Massachusetts State Police interviewed regarding the incident at the Dartmouth Mall. Chase explained to the trooper "if I had a gun I would've shot him. I wasn't going to stop" At the time of the Dartmouth incident, Chase was on supervised probation for a 30-month sentence imposed on September 3 1991.
Police Captain Purchases Truck 1991
In late December, 1991, an insurance adjuster had calculated the truck was a "constructive total loss" for the benefit of the victim's family. Dartmouth Police Captain Herbert Tondreau purchased the truck. He drafted an undated bill of sale and paid Renauld's family $1,200. Tondreau took possession of the truck upon its release in March, 1992, and had it repaired in late April, 1992. The repairs included sanding and painting the driver's side door and mechanical work.
Trial Outcome 1993
Chase was indicted on 1st degree murder, Motor Vehicle Homicide, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and Larceny of Property over $250. On the first day of trial, Chase plead guilty to the larceny charges. On May 26 1993 Chase was convicted of 2nd degree murder in the Renauld case. He was sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole, additionally he was convicted of the other charges and receive concurrent sentences for each charge.
On June 1 1994 Chase was convicted of multiple counts of armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon relating to the case In Easton. He was sentenced to five (5) concurrent sentences to run from and after his life sentence.
Appeal 1997 - Denied
Chase filed an appeal on four (4) points. The last point was the Commonwealth destroyed potentially exculpatory evidence. On January 10, 1992, the parties executed an agreement providing that defense counsel could inspect physical evidence upon twenty-four hour notice to the prosecution. In March 1992, the Bristol County district attorney's office released the truck from the custodial pool of physical evidence without notifying defense counsel. The defense filed a motion to inspect the truck on May 21, 1992. At that time, the prosecution informed them that it had been released from custody in March 1992.
The prosecution's release of the truck that was allegedly used by the defendant to run down and kill the truck's owner, before the defendant had inspected it, was at worst, negligent. The defense counsel argued the prosecution had intentionally destroyed material, potentially exculpatory evidence by releasing the truck from their custody before he had an opportunity to inspect it. The judge held a three-day evidentiary hearing, which included fifteen exhibits and the testimony of fourteen witnesses. The judge denied the defendant's motion to dismiss. He concluded that no evidence had been deliberately destroyed and that the prosecution's culpability fell "at worst only to the level of negligence." The judge said that the circumstances of the truck's release and sale were unusual, but the fact that the purchaser was a Dartmouth police officer was not significant. The judge further concluded that the physical evidence lost or destroyed was not material. His appeal was rejected.
Parole Hearing 2023
In a January 18, 2023 decision, the state's parole board voted to release Chase from prison next year — despite having denied him parole in 2021, due in part to concerns over his affiliation with a white supremacy group in prison.
Following a year in a lower-security facility, Chase is set for release on conditions including drug and alcohol testing, electronic monitoring, and a ban on contact or association with any hate group or gang.
Reginald Desnoyers 1990 Solved
On April 19, 1990, at approximately 9:30PM Reginald Desnoyers (60) was murdered in the parking lot of the "Rawhide" Country Western Lounge on Old Fall River Road.
Dartmouth Police were dispatched for a report of a male shot, upon arrival they discovered Reginald Desnoyers lying between two vehicles with apparent gunshot wound to the head.
An extensive investigation began - leading to Janice Desnoyers and her friends Brenda Brousseau, Debra Skarpos and Aaron Allen (Debra's stepson) being involved in the plot. Their carefully planned murder plot was to occur when Reginald and Janice left the bar. Reginald opened his vehicle car door, Skarpos rose up from the backseat and placed the barrel of the gun at his forehead and fired. After the murder; the plan was for Brenda Brousseau to move in with Janice Desnoyers. The two of them were involved in a romantic relationship.
Brenda Brousseau
Brenda was convicted of 1st-degree murder without parole.
Debra Skarpos
In May 1990 Debra Skarpos was arrested and charged with 1st-degree murder. Debra took a plea deal and was found guilty of 2nd-degree and testified against Brousseau and Janice Desnoyers. Debra was sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison with parole.
In January 2009 Debra was granted parole with conditions relating to alcohol and drugs. In June 2010 Debra tested positive for alcohol and was issued a warning by the Parole Board. In July 2013 Debra tested positive for drugs again which resulted in a parole violation, and she was returned to prison to serve her life sentence. Skarpos was denied parole in 2018.
On April 27 2022 the parole board was allowed Skarpos to be paroled again.
Janice Desnoyers
Janice Desnoyers was acquitted of conspiring to murder her husband.
Aaron Allen
Allen, the getaway driver, was granted immunity by prosecutors in return for his testimony.
On April 19, 1990, at approximately 9:30PM Reginald Desnoyers (60) was murdered in the parking lot of the "Rawhide" Country Western Lounge on Old Fall River Road.
Dartmouth Police were dispatched for a report of a male shot, upon arrival they discovered Reginald Desnoyers lying between two vehicles with apparent gunshot wound to the head.
An extensive investigation began - leading to Janice Desnoyers and her friends Brenda Brousseau, Debra Skarpos and Aaron Allen (Debra's stepson) being involved in the plot. Their carefully planned murder plot was to occur when Reginald and Janice left the bar. Reginald opened his vehicle car door, Skarpos rose up from the backseat and placed the barrel of the gun at his forehead and fired. After the murder; the plan was for Brenda Brousseau to move in with Janice Desnoyers. The two of them were involved in a romantic relationship.
Brenda Brousseau
Brenda was convicted of 1st-degree murder without parole.
Debra Skarpos
In May 1990 Debra Skarpos was arrested and charged with 1st-degree murder. Debra took a plea deal and was found guilty of 2nd-degree and testified against Brousseau and Janice Desnoyers. Debra was sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison with parole.
In January 2009 Debra was granted parole with conditions relating to alcohol and drugs. In June 2010 Debra tested positive for alcohol and was issued a warning by the Parole Board. In July 2013 Debra tested positive for drugs again which resulted in a parole violation, and she was returned to prison to serve her life sentence. Skarpos was denied parole in 2018.
On April 27 2022 the parole board was allowed Skarpos to be paroled again.
Janice Desnoyers
Janice Desnoyers was acquitted of conspiring to murder her husband.
Aaron Allen
Allen, the getaway driver, was granted immunity by prosecutors in return for his testimony.
Groveland Motel Murder 1988 Solved
On April 28, 1988, Mary L. Harris (33) a resident of Myrtle Beach SC, an exotic dancer at the King's Inn, was strangled to death in a motel room at the Groveland Motel (Today, the Dartmouth Motor Inn). The suspect, Shawn Tanner (23), who occasionally worked at the Kings Inn, admitted to the police, that he had been in the motel room with the victim during part of the night before her body was found.
A stocking was pulled tight around the victim's neck, which was determined to be the cause of death. The ligature had been tightened around her neck three separate times. Shortly after the strangling, the defendant told a friend that he was not sure, but that he thought he had killed someone. He added that the woman refused to have sexual intercourse with him because he did not have any money. He said that he had intercourse with her anyway and then strangled her with his bare hands. To make sure, he said, he took a sock and strangled her again, "pulled it real tight." He stuck a finger in her eye to make sure she was dead. When she did not move, he concluded that she was dead. After the victim's death, the defendant had jewelry that he had stolen from the victim.
Tanner was arrested and was arraigned on May 12, 1988, his trial commenced on September 5, 1989. On September 15, 1988, Shawn Tanner was convicted of 1st-degree murder. He was sentenced to a term of life in prison without parole.
On February 7, 1994, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld his conviction. Seventeen-and-a-half years later, on November 25, 2011, Tanner filed a motion for a new trial, which was denied by the Superior Court without a hearing on December 5, 2012, and then by the Supreme Judicial Court on March 29, 2013.
Tanner was also looked at as a possible suspect in the highway killings case. Investigators ruled him out as a suspect since there was no evidence he had any ties to Whisper's Pub, any of the victims, or to any of those involved in the case.
On April 28, 1988, Mary L. Harris (33) a resident of Myrtle Beach SC, an exotic dancer at the King's Inn, was strangled to death in a motel room at the Groveland Motel (Today, the Dartmouth Motor Inn). The suspect, Shawn Tanner (23), who occasionally worked at the Kings Inn, admitted to the police, that he had been in the motel room with the victim during part of the night before her body was found.
A stocking was pulled tight around the victim's neck, which was determined to be the cause of death. The ligature had been tightened around her neck three separate times. Shortly after the strangling, the defendant told a friend that he was not sure, but that he thought he had killed someone. He added that the woman refused to have sexual intercourse with him because he did not have any money. He said that he had intercourse with her anyway and then strangled her with his bare hands. To make sure, he said, he took a sock and strangled her again, "pulled it real tight." He stuck a finger in her eye to make sure she was dead. When she did not move, he concluded that she was dead. After the victim's death, the defendant had jewelry that he had stolen from the victim.
Tanner was arrested and was arraigned on May 12, 1988, his trial commenced on September 5, 1989. On September 15, 1988, Shawn Tanner was convicted of 1st-degree murder. He was sentenced to a term of life in prison without parole.
On February 7, 1994, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld his conviction. Seventeen-and-a-half years later, on November 25, 2011, Tanner filed a motion for a new trial, which was denied by the Superior Court without a hearing on December 5, 2012, and then by the Supreme Judicial Court on March 29, 2013.
Tanner was also looked at as a possible suspect in the highway killings case. Investigators ruled him out as a suspect since there was no evidence he had any ties to Whisper's Pub, any of the victims, or to any of those involved in the case.
Raymond Santos 1982 Solved 1983
During the very early morning hours of March 6 1982 Charles Chaples (21) gained entry into a home in Dartmouth and stole a 12-gauge shotgun, two (2) boxes of shells and a pair of gloves.
After committing the house break, he drove to the area behind Lincoln Park and parked his vehicle. He walked through a wooded area and positioned himself behind one of the amusement rides. Chaples, being a former employee knew the area, and positioned himself as to carefully watch the activities of the night watchman, Raymond Santos (48).
At a maintenance warehouse area of the park, Chaples confronted Santos and demanded the keys to the park, Santos refused, Chaples persisted and again Santos refused a second time, then Chaples raised the shotgun and fired at Santos, in all he Chaples shot Santos three (3) times. Chaples then fled the scene. Chaples tossed the shotgun into the woods along with the shells.
On March 6, 1982 at 7:30AM Maintenance workers discovered the body of Raymond Santos. Chaples was questioned the next day about his activities and whereabouts. During questioning he confessed to the murder.
In 1983 Charles Chaples was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He also received a concurrent sentence of 3-5 years for larceny, and breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony. He was paroled in 2007 after serving 24 years.
In 2007, Chaples was arrested by Mattapoisett Police Department, after a 24-hour search for him, after a domestic dispute. He had violated his parole and was charged with aggravated assault & battery, intimidation of a witness and larceny all connected to the domestic incident.
Parole Status
In 2014, Chaples applied for parole again, on March 17, 2015 his request was denied. On June 4 2020 The Massachusetts Parole Board decided Chaples (59), will be released after serving one (1) year in a lower security prison. Once the one-year in a lower security prison is complete, Chaples will be released to an approved residential program. Conditions included as part of his parole are : He will be placed on a curfew, wear an electronic monitoring device (GPS) and participate in counseling for mental health along with alcohol and drug testing.
In 2021 Chaples incurred three (3) parole violations, his parole was revoked in February 2022 and was placed back in prison.
On September 29 2022 The Massachusetts Parole Board wrote in a unanimous decision that Charles Chaples (62) is not suitable for parole. Chaples remains in prison and is eligible for parole in 2025.
During the very early morning hours of March 6 1982 Charles Chaples (21) gained entry into a home in Dartmouth and stole a 12-gauge shotgun, two (2) boxes of shells and a pair of gloves.
After committing the house break, he drove to the area behind Lincoln Park and parked his vehicle. He walked through a wooded area and positioned himself behind one of the amusement rides. Chaples, being a former employee knew the area, and positioned himself as to carefully watch the activities of the night watchman, Raymond Santos (48).
At a maintenance warehouse area of the park, Chaples confronted Santos and demanded the keys to the park, Santos refused, Chaples persisted and again Santos refused a second time, then Chaples raised the shotgun and fired at Santos, in all he Chaples shot Santos three (3) times. Chaples then fled the scene. Chaples tossed the shotgun into the woods along with the shells.
On March 6, 1982 at 7:30AM Maintenance workers discovered the body of Raymond Santos. Chaples was questioned the next day about his activities and whereabouts. During questioning he confessed to the murder.
In 1983 Charles Chaples was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He also received a concurrent sentence of 3-5 years for larceny, and breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony. He was paroled in 2007 after serving 24 years.
In 2007, Chaples was arrested by Mattapoisett Police Department, after a 24-hour search for him, after a domestic dispute. He had violated his parole and was charged with aggravated assault & battery, intimidation of a witness and larceny all connected to the domestic incident.
Parole Status
In 2014, Chaples applied for parole again, on March 17, 2015 his request was denied. On June 4 2020 The Massachusetts Parole Board decided Chaples (59), will be released after serving one (1) year in a lower security prison. Once the one-year in a lower security prison is complete, Chaples will be released to an approved residential program. Conditions included as part of his parole are : He will be placed on a curfew, wear an electronic monitoring device (GPS) and participate in counseling for mental health along with alcohol and drug testing.
In 2021 Chaples incurred three (3) parole violations, his parole was revoked in February 2022 and was placed back in prison.
On September 29 2022 The Massachusetts Parole Board wrote in a unanimous decision that Charles Chaples (62) is not suitable for parole. Chaples remains in prison and is eligible for parole in 2025.